In the night Clara creeps downstairs to play with her cherished nutcracker. Having helped him and his soldiers defeat a fierce rat army led by the evil Mouse King, she sees the wooden toy turn into a handsome young man and together they go on a magical mystery tour, guided by Dr Drosselmeyer.
Cue an opportunity for many divertissements from the Dance of the Snowflakes to the Kingdom of the Sweets and much more besides, culminating in the truly delightful Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Nutcracker ballet story is based on Marius Petipa’s original scenario. He, in turn, based his 1892 ballet on the fairytale by ETA Hoffman.
This version, created by the former Artistic Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Sir Peter Wright, is one of the most respected, cleverly working what are often only picturesque scenes into a coherent tale where magical adventures mirror the relations between the Christmas Eve visitors at home.
Julia Trevelyan Oman’s set is a sumptuous treat, indulging our 19th century nostalgia with sparkling designs suitable for Tchaikovsky’s own era. Look out for the jewel of the show, the Christmas tree that grows to giant proportions.
The Nutcracker Royal Ballet tickets will vanish, so be sure to book early.
Age Guidance: 5+
Live Cinema Relay on Monday, 3 Dec 2108
| What | The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, Royal Opera House |
| Where | Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Covent Garden (underground) |
| When |
03 Dec 18 – 15 Jan 19, 19:30 Dur.: 2 hours 20 mins incl 1 interval. Some evening early starts at 19:00, mats times vary. |
| Price | £7-£130 (TBC) |
| Website | Click here to book via the ROH website |