The Nutcracker

This all-time ballet favourite is gloriously put on stage in Peter Wright’s production, with a choreography by Lev Ivanov.

This all-time ballet favourite, in which young girl Clara is taken on a fantasy adventure when one of her Christmas presents comes to life, is gloriously put on stage in Peter Wright’s production, with a choreography by Lev Ivanov. Clara creeps downstairs on Christmas Eve to play with her favourite present – a nutcracker. But the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer is waiting to sweep her off on a magical adventure …

Tchaikovsky’s ravishing score, the period designs including an ingenious christmas tree and outstanding principals of the Royal Ballet make for a captivating performance. Francesca Hayward, who “dances like a dream child as Clara” (The Stage), is superbly partnered by “Nutcracker” Alexander Campbell: “Their duet has a delightful sense of discovery” (The Independent). Gary Avis impresses as Mr Drosselmeyer: “This masterful dancer-actor lends pompous exactitude, wittily theatrical flamboyance and cast-iron authority to this vital part” (Daily Telegraph).

Original title The Nutcracker
Genre Ballet
Recording location Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Duration 100 mins
Production Company Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Composer Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky
Orchestra / Band Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor Boris Gruzin
Stage Director Peter Wright
Choreography by Peter Wright after Lev Ivanov
Dance Company The Royal Ballet
Soloist Gary Avis, Francesca Hayward, Alexander Campbell, Lauren Cuthbertson, Federico Bonelli