Perennial favorite The Nutcracker returns to Glasgow this December to sprinkle its festive magic over the town. Originally staged Scottish Ballet founder and choreographer Peter Darrell CBE in 1972, it underwent a revamp a decade in the past by the hands of present CEO and creative director Christopher Hampson CBE and now’s offered in a brand new model by Hampson and a raft of expertise from the corporate. This new iteration permits the corporate to champion new expertise and permits the artists the chance to develop their inventive voices.
Opening on Lez Brotherston’s luxurious, velvet draped set, the muted palette is a feast for the eyes. Colonel and Ladt Stahlbaum have gathered their beloved youngsters Clara and Fritz and a number of eccentric kinfolk on Christmas Eve. An elegant occasion ensues, culminating within the a lot anticipated reveal of the Christmas tree and the opening of the youngsters’s presents. The temper adjustments when the mysterious Drosselmeyer arrives, gifting the household an odd nutcracker within the form of a good-looking prince. Fritz breaks the nutcracker and Drosselmeyer magically repairs it and offers it to Clara who turns into enchanted by it. The occasion ends and Clara falls right into a deep sleep, clutching the brand new present in her palms. On the strike of midnight an entire host of magical adventures ensue as Clara meets the Nutcracker Prince, the Toy Soldiers, King Rat, the Snow Queen and her Snowflakes and naturally, the Sugar Plum Fairy.
With probably the most recognisable scores in ballet (performed right here superbly by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra) and a number of the most acquainted choreography, the expectations are at all times excessive. The conventional sequences are given their rightful place within the work and are executed nicely, however it’s the new choreography that enlivens the divertissements that present the stand out moments within the manufacturing. Of specific observe are the Candy Canes from Russia (choreo by Sophie Lapland, danced by James Garrington, Harvey Evans, Mackenzie Jacob and Javier Andreu) and the English Hornpipe (choreo by Nicholas Shoesmith, danced by Andrea Azzari) which offered comedy and acrobatics in a single case and precision and athleticism within the different.
In the previous few seasons the corporate has misplaced arguably its greatest stars, immediately recognisable viewers favourites whose presence enlivened the stage by merely stepping on it. Something that was introduced into sharp focus when former Principle, Sophie Martin returned not too long ago to bop Swan Lake and blew each different dancer off of the stage. While there are lots of tremendous dancers, it’s missing a couple of ‘stars’ to intensify expectations and supply the magic. It might be fascinating to see who rises as much as fill their footwear.
The Nutcracker stays a traditional and tiny ballet followers, neophytes and life-long lovers of the work might be glad that every one the glittering costumes, stunning sequences and festive magic stay. It’s pretty to see some worthy traditions persist. Long reside The Nutcracker.
Runs till 8 February 2025 | Images: Andy Ross
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