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Nutcracker, The--Scottish Ballet

Nutcracker, The--Scottish Ballet

An enchanted dolls' house, an evil governess, and a nutcracker who may just be a handsome prince in disguise - this winter, prepare to enter a magical new world... Read more …

Following on from the hugely successful productions Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty comes a revival of The Nutcracker, a sweet yet deliciously sharp take on ETA Hoffmann's original story Nutcracker and the King of Mice.

This fresh and vivid retelling of the famous Christmas story features stunning sets and costumes,  breathtaking choreography and Tchaikovsky's sumptuous score performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.


The critical consensus

All the levels of complexity in its underlying meaning are teased out. The precision of the corps-de-ballet in the snowflake sequence suggests a rigourously drilled company, while the joyous celebrations of the flower dances really let it fly.

Thom Dibdin, The Stage, 10/12/2012

Petipa’s original choreography is retained, and French principal Sophie Martin and her English counterpart Adam Blyde dance it with such confidence, energy and subtlety that they were, deservedly, cheered to the rafters on opening night.

*****Mark Brown, The Telegraph, 10/12/2012

Scottish Ballet’s production contains all the key components – plus a bit extra, thanks to Ashley Page’s unusual take on the tale.

****(*)Kelly Apter, The Scotsman, 09/12/2012

The climax of the ballet is simply breathtaking and a master class in ballet perfection that is sure to melt even the frostiest of hearts this Christmas.

Gillian Harvey and Laura Boyd, STV, 11/12/2012

Scottish Ballet’s Nutcracker is a deliberate step away from Christmas sugar. There’s a cartoon edge to Antony McDonald’s designs, while choreographer Ashley Page is determined to make the story darker, even when that goes against the grain of Tchaikovsky’s score. A bright company performance adds a lot of warmth and sparkle.

***(*)(*)Zoe Anderson, The Independent, 03/01/2012

Reviving Ashley Page’s 2003 interpretation of The Nutcracker, there are seasonal gifts aplenty for ballet lovers and Monty Python fans alike.

****(*)Josie Balfour, The Scotsman, 09/01/2013

Following the brilliant uneasy queasiness of the menacing tale, it was sheer joy to revel in the skill of the performers, while unconsciously humming along to more than a few of the most renowned and timeless pieces of music in classical ballet.

*****Justine Blundell, Edinburgh Guide, 11/01/2013

This onstage chemistry between musicians and dancers creates a sparkle which goes beyond the glittery snow-topped fir trees, beyond a plot which is obscure and leads the audience into a land of dream and make-believe – fully absorbed in the fairytale – until the final curtain call.

****(*)Amanda Bottomley, TVBomb, 14/01/2013


Features about Nutcracker, The--Scottish Ballet

Preview feature: Scottish Ballet's Nutcracker 2012/13

Mark Brown, Scottish Stage, 04/12/2012

The Nutcracker: stars of Scottish Ballet's Christmas treat talk show magic

STV, 06/12/2012

Where and when?

Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Saturday December 8, 2012, until Saturday December 29, 2012. More info: www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyalglasgow/

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Tuesday January 8, 2013, until Saturday January 12, 2013. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/festival

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen from Wednesday January 16, 2013, until Saturday January 19, 2013. More info: www.hmtaberdeen.com

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness from Wednesday January 23, 2013, until Saturday January 26, 2013. More info: www.eden-court.co.uk

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