The Nutcracker

Journey back in time with English National Ballet to a frost-covered, gas lit world and join Clara, her Nutcracker doll and the mysterious Drosselmeyer in this traditional, festive tale for all the family. At the London Coliseum from 8 - 30 December.

A world of Edwardian elegance designed by Peter Farmer brings to life the eternally popular Tchaikovsky score that features the 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' and many other familiar favourites.

On an enchanted Christmas Eve, under the heavy boughs of the candlelit tree Clara battles with the Mouse King and falls in love with a handsome Prince. As the air grows colder and snowflakes begin to fall, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a balloon ride acrossthe frost-dusted skyline to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins.

A magical, memorable and unmissable Christmas treat.

Generously supported by Swarovski, Garfield Weston Foundation and The Nutcracker Appeal donors.

The Nutcracker Credits

Choreography
Wayne Eagling

Music
Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Design
Peter Farmer

60 Years of The Nutcracker

English National Ballet was the company that put The Nutcracker on the map in Western Europe. It had been danced by other companies, but did not have a central role in the repertoire until English National Ballet placed it at the heart of its annual programme and made it the popular Christmas feature it is today. In the 1950s, Balanchine’s production of The Nutcracker for New York City Ballet played a similar role in the USA.

Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin were significant interpreters of the Act II pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy. They had included Act II of the ballet in the repertoire of their 1930s Markova-Dolin Ballet, and extracts of the work in the Gala performances of ballet leading up to the establishment of English National Ballet.

The most important production was David Lichine – Alexandre Benois production in 1957 presented as a full evening – based on Benois’s memories of seeing the original ballet in St. Petersburg although adapted small company and stage.

Act II was included in the first official performance by English National Ballet at Southsea in August 1950, and the two act ballet (along with Le Beau Danube) opened the Company’s first London season at the Stoll Theatre.

This Nutcracker will be the tenth complete, two-act, production of the ballet.

The Nutcracker Appeal

Be part of English National Ballet and help us create this beautiful ballet

Donate to our Nutcracker Appeal