A Holiday Classic: The Nutcracker

A holiday classic, the dazzling Nutcracker is back in London

A Holiday Classic: The Nutcracker

The English National Ballet’s world premiere of a new production of The Nutcracker, reimagined by Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Arielle Smith, delivers a visually enchanting and emotionally stirring production as part of the company’s 75th season celebrations. This fresh interpretation skillfully balances tradition with modern sensitivity, creating a compelling holiday experience.

Starting from the moment the curtain rises and increasing as the show goes on, the stage design captivates with its sumptuous visuals. Lavish sets transport the audience into Clara’s magical world, evoking the opulence and whimsy of the classic story. The scenic transitions flow seamlessly, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere. The costume design follows suit, dazzling with intricate detailing — with one notable exception. The Nutcracker’s costume, particularly the very tight white tights, proved somewhat distracting, revealing more than intended. Additionally it did not fit with the general quality of the costumes.

The performance shines through its dancers, especially the younger cast members. Delilah Wiggins, portraying young Clara, delivered a performance brimming with grace and promise. Her technical precision and expressive storytelling signal a bright future. Likewise, Ivana Bueno as the adult Clara was utterly captivating, blending strength and delicacy with effortless charm.

Ken Saruhashi’s portrayal of Drosselmeyer was magnetic, commanding the stage with a charisma that lingered even when he was absent. His dynamic performance added depth and mystery, reinforcing the magical undertones of the story.

The English National Ballet Philharmonic, conducted by Maria Seletskaja, provided a breathtaking musical accompaniment. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score came to life with such vibrancy and emotion that goosebumps were inevitable. Seletskaja’s precise and passionate direction undoubtedly played a crucial role in the production’s success.

One of the production's standout choices was replacing the traditional Russian sweets in the second act’s divertissement with Ukrainian Makivnyk. This thoughtful change reflects a sensitive political awareness, showcasing how classic art can evolve with the times while retaining its core beauty.

The magical elements were executed brilliantly, surprising the audience as much as the characters. The lightning and effects were used quite precisely. However, not every element was equally effective. The snowfall, achieved with light, almost ethereal flakes, fell flat, lacking the immersive impact one might expect. A later scene featuring more tangible snow corrected this and created a truly magical moment.

Overall, Watkin and Smith have crafted a remarkable Nutcracker, blending old and new with elegance and heart. With its exceptional performances, stunning visuals, and emotionally resonant music, this production is a triumphant celebration of the English National Ballet’s enduring artistry. It’s a feast for the senses, capturing the wonder and magic that make The Nutcracker an enduring holiday favorite.

Header Image Credit: Ivana Bueno as Clara and Francesco Gabriele Frola as Nutcracker Prince in English National Ballet's Nutcracker by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith (c) Johan Persson

Author

Aysel Dilara Kasap

Aysel Dilara Kasap Voice Reviewers

I am a writer and the editor-in-chief of the non-profit creative writing website Feather Pen. I am passionate about books while being a music and theatre enthusiast and generally enjoying all forms of art.

Recent posts by this author

View more posts by Aysel Dilara Kasap

0 Comments

Post A Comment

You must be signed in to post a comment. Click here to sign in now

You might also like

Open Call: Arte Laguna Prize 20

Open Call: Arte Laguna Prize 20

by Cristina Corsi

Read now