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Peter Wright's interpretation of The Nutcracker has been enchanting children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984. Lev Ivanov's 1892 ballet combined with Tchaikovsky's sumptuous, iconic score are presented in a festive period setting with vivid designs to make this a charming and magical production.
Loosely based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet begins in the 19th-century German home of the Stahlbaums, where they are hosting a lively Christmas party. The period setting is captured in opulent detail by Julia Trevelyan Oman's designs, which include authentic Christmas tree decorations that are magically brought to life. Wright's choreography ingeniously incorporates surviving fragments of the ballet's original material, including the sublime pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince. But in emphasizing the relationship between Clara and the Nutcracker, the production also gains a touching subtext of first love.
Clara is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As midnight strikes, she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaiting her and her Nutcracker.
The magician Drosselmeyer transforms the drawing room for a battle between mice and toy soldiers. During the battle, Clara saves the Nutcracker's life - so breaking a magical spell that turned him from a boy to a toy - and the Mouse King is defeated. In celebration, Drosselmeyer sweeps Clara and the Nutcracker off to the Kingdom of Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and take part in a wonderful display of dances. The next morning, Clara's adventures seem to have been more than just a dream.
ConductorBoris Gruzin
The Sugar Plum FairyLauren Cuthbertson
The PrinceFederico Bonelli
ClaraFrancesca Hayward
Hans-Peter/The NutcrackerAlexander Campbell
Herr DrosselmeyerGary Avis
Concert MasterPeter Manning
OrchestraOrchestra of the Royal Opera House
ChoreographyPeter Wright after Lev Ivanov
MusicPyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Original scenarioMarius Petipa
Production and scenarioPeter Wright
DesignerJulia Trevelyan Oman
Lighting designerMark Henderson
Production consultantRoland John Wiley
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