The Royal Ballet celebrated Peter Wright’s 90th birthday with his much-loved production of this beautiful classical ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. Starring Lauren Cuthbertson, Federico Bonelli, Francesca Hayward and Alexander Campbell.
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 to make this a charming and magical production.
Loosely based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet begins in the 19th-century German home of the Stahlbaums, where they are hosting a lively Christmas party. The period setting is captured in opulent detail by Julia Trevelyan Oman’s designs, which include authentic Christmas tree decorations that are magically brought to life. Wright’s choreography ingeniously incorporates surviving fragments of the ballet’s original material, including the sublime pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince. But in emphasizing the relationship between Clara and the Nutcracker, the production also gains a touching subtext of first love.
Guidance
This production is suitable for ages 5+
The performance includes a gunshot and a cannon-shot approximately 30 minutes into Act I
Running times
The performance lasts around 2 hours 20 minutes, including one interval
Approximate timings – Act I – 55 minutes | Interval – 20 minutes | Act II – 55 minutes
Credits
- Choreography – Peter Wright after Lev Ivanov
Music – Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Original scenario – Marius Petipa
Production and scenario – Peter Wright
Designer – Julia Trevelyan Oman
Lighting designer – Mark Henderson
Production consultant – Roland John Wiley
Performed bty – The Royal BalletRecorded in 2016
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