The Nutcracker
23 November 2021–8 January 2022
The Nutcracker has long been one of the most delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet and makes for a sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Tchaikovsky’s much-loved music is matched to a story of magic on Christmas Eve, and the journey of Clara and her Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets brings with it some of the most familiar of all ballet moments.
Peter Wright’s gorgeous production for The Royal Ballet keeps true to the spirit of this Russian ballet classic, and the many solo roles and ensembles show the world-class skills of the Company at its best.
Production supported by
Generous philanthropic support from
Julia and Hans Rausing, Sir Lloyd and Lady Dorfman, Kenneth and Susan Green, Lindsay and Sarah Tomlinson, Melinda and Donald Quintin and the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund
Paul Hamlyn Christmas Treat
The matinee on 4 December is the Paul Hamlyn Christmas Treat. Find out more.
Synopsis
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 into 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.
Cast
Cast may vary depending on date. Go to dates and prices to view casting.
Creatives
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
Accessibility
There is lift access and step-free seating to most levels of the Main Stage auditorium, except the Orchestra Stalls, which are reached by a minimum of nine steps. There are more than 100 seats in the Stalls Circle, Balcony and Amphitheatre which are accessible without the need to negotiate steps. In addition, many seats in these areas and in the Donald Gordon Grand Tier and Orchestra Stalls are accessible by 10 steps or fewer. Find out more about accessing the Main Stage Auditorium.
If you have concerns about how our Covid-19 safety measures may affect your access requirements, please contact BoxOffice.Access@roh.org.uk.
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