Beloved by Ballet Fans Everywhere

Clara is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. At midnight she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaiting her and her Nutcracker.

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, conceived by Julie Trevelyan Oman, to make this a charming and magical production.

This recording features awe inspiring dancing from the whole Company, and stunning portrayals for some of the most iconic characters in classic ballet, as Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov grace the stage as The Sugar Plum Fairy and The Prince, whilst the Nutcracker is danced by Marcelino Sambé, who is quickly rising through the ranks of The Royal Ballet.

“When it comes to Nutcrackers, there is simply nothing to beat it.”
(The Times ★★★★★)

“There was gorgeous dancing from Nuñez’s Sugar Plum, partnered by Vadim Muntagirov. With burnished technique and elegant line, they also make the grand pas de deux a conversation: those formal gestures are full of give and take, connection and response. As the magician Drosselmeyer, Gary Avis directed the action with heart as well as swagger, while the company dancing was bright and confident.” (The Independent ★★★★)

Genre Ballet
Production year 2018
Audio format LPCM 2.0 + DTS Digital Surround (DVD)
Choreography by Peter Wright after Lev Ivanov
Dance Company The Royal Ballet
Conductor Barry Wordsworth
Orchestra / Band Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Soloist Marianela Nunez
Soloist Gary Avis
Soloist Vadim Muntagirov
Soloist Marcelino Sambe