Reviewed at: Leeds Grand Theatre
By Michelle Rawlins
The Nutcracker is the perfect embodiment of festive magical enchantment and this exquisite reimagination by The Northern Ballet is truly spectacular.
As the retelling of Clara and her magical wooden toy unfolds, the brilliance of the Leeds-based award winning company is ever present.
The choreography, under the expert guidance of former Artistic Director, David Nixon CBE, is mesmerising, the costumes sublime and the storytelling enchanting.
As the tradition dictates, Clara (Rachael Gillespie) is gifted her new Christmas toy, a beautiful wooden nutcracker, by her decadent and captivating Uncle Drosselmeyer, performed with wonderment by the excellent Gavin McCaig.
Desperate to play with her present, Clara sneaks downstairs in the middle of the night, unaware a spell has been cast, and discovers all her toys have come to life. A tremendous, but playful battle has commenced, which only comes to an end when the astonished little girls stops the Mouse King (Bruno Serraclara) from delivering a fatal blow to her beloved toy.
Once again Drosselmeyer’s magic is called upon and the Nutcracker is transformed into a dashing prince (Harris Beattie) and the pair are transported to a glittering fairy-tale winter wonderland.
This is where the production really comes into its own, as the dancing Snowflakes, perform their breath taking and spellbinding scene as they perfectly tumble and glide across the glistening stage, to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Music Director, Jonathan Lo.
As Act Two takes hold, one spectacular performance after another ensues, as Clara and her charming Prince, continue their enchanting journey. There’s the exotic Russian Cossacks, the opulent Arabian dancers, exotic flowers, Chinese acrobats, and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy (Saeka Shirai) accompanied by her handsome Cavalier (Jonathan Hanks).
It’s no surprise The Nutcracker has been delighting audiences for well over a century, but, as always, this award-winning company, under new Artistic Director, Federico Bonelli, has made this production their own, delivering yet another exceptional piece of truly memorable theatre.
The perfect combination of impeccable and intricate dancing, stunning costumes and eye-catching sets makes this delightful and dazzling performance one to cherish. Just like Clara, you are left feeling as though you are part of a fairy-tale dream that you never want to end.
Showing until January 7, 2023
Tickets available here.