Friday 16 October 2009

Birmingham Royal Ballet


The Nutcracker


Natasha Oughtred as Sugar Plum Fairy and Jamie Bond as the Prince
Photo : Bill Cooper

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker returns to its home theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, for 22 performances only, from Friday 27 November to Sunday 13 December 2009. A true delight for the all the family, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has been enjoyed by audiences for almost 20 years.

The Company's Director Laureate, Sir Peter Wright, created the lavish production for the City of Birmingham in 1990, to thank it for its support and generosity toward the Company following its move from Sadler's Wells in London. The Nutcracker immediately triumphed, establishing itself as the finest on offer throughout the country in the Christmas calendar of entertainment.

It’s Christmas Eve and a splendid party is taking place at the Stahlbaums’ house. Young Clara receives a beautiful wooden Nutcracker doll from the eccentric magician Drosselmeyer and is instantly enchanted. That night, unable to sleep, Clara creeps downstairs to see her toy. To her amazement, on the stroke of midnight, the Christmas tree starts growing, she battles an army of rats and is spirited away to the Land of Snow, the Kingdom of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy.


Natasha Oughtred as Sugar Plum Fairy and Jamie Bond as the Prince
Photo : Bill Cooper

Based on a tale by Hoffman, the story of The Nutcracker has inspired several choreographers since the first production by Lev Ivanov. The harmonious mix of music by Tchaikovsky, magic and dance has roused the talents of George Balanchine, John Cranko and Rudolf Nureyev. With designs by John F. Macfarlane this enchanting story of Clara's adventures with her Nutcracker doll, Rat King and the Sugar Plum Fairy is an exquisite seasonal feast.

Ticket Office: 0844 338 5000 or Birmingham Hippodrome.

I interviewed Natasha Oughtred earlier this year and you can read what she had to say, here

Birmingham Royal Ballet will be touring in London next month, and you will be able to read more interviews and news about the Company in the coming weeks.

12 comments:

  1. Oh another instant of dream and fantasy as I travel vicariously to the other side from my world to yours. Thank you. Sandi

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  2. I was in London last Christmas, and I wish we could go again this year! Such a magical city anytime let alone Christmas. You now have me humming tunes from the Nutcracker now.
    Have a lovely weekend Elise!

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  3. Must see this in person one day... I've only seen it on television (sadly). Even more spectacular would be to see it in London!♥

    Wishing you a lovely weekend!

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  4. Hello!
    Thank you so much for your sweet comment.
    Weee,I love ballet and The Nutcracker is my favourite.
    Wish you a wonderful weekend.

    All the best.

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  5. The Nutcracker is one of my favorite parts of Christmas time. I'm hoping to see it live this year because as beautiful as it is in recordings, live performances are always amazing.
    -Tawney

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  6. I gave you an award on my blog :)

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  7. Another season of the Nutcracker to look forward to! I would love to see it in a theater in London!

    Hope you're having a fab weekend and thanks for visiting with me.

    Bonnie

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  8. Oh! I saw The Nutcracker in NYC a couple of years ago, and I was so mesmerized by it all! The beautiful dancers, the music and the gorgeous sets! I loved every minute of it! If I could, I'd come see this one as well! Hugs, =D

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  9. I'd love to watch the nutcracker in CPH this december, it looks so beautiful.

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  10. CelticWoman - thank you !

    Pinecome Camp - I agree, and I hope yours was too ! Fingers crossed you get to see Nutcracker again this year

    Gabbi - I hope you get to see Nutcracker live - it's the perfect way to get you into the Christmas spirit - a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in the Covent Garden Piazza and then by the time it's over, you;ll be wishing for snow and waltzing over the cobbles...

    LISBETH - you too !

    Tawney - I hope you do get to see it - as you say, there is nothing better !

    Katy Wilko - thank you !

    Bonnie - Hope you do !

    beedeebabee - Well, I hope there is one in your part of the world this Christmas...

    Bree - thank you

    Romeika - it is !

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  11. I love The Nut Cracker. My nieces' ballet school is in the process of picking dancers to play for The Nutcracker. Its get a bit controversial because parents wants good parts for their children lol. My nieces are really good. They don't have to try hard ^_^

    Also, its gonna be at the Japanese Theater in Downtown Los Angeles and the tickets are $25 bucks so its not too bad. It has become a family tradition for us to go every year. Fun times!!

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