ROH, Recorded Live
Peter Wright’s gorgeous production for The Royal Ballet keeps true to the spirit of this Russian ballet classic, and the many solo roles and ensembles show the world-class skills of the Company at its best.
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov
Starring: Akane Takada, Cesar Corrales, Christopher Saunders, Isabella Gasparini, Luca Acri
Clara is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As midnight strikes, she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaiting her and her Nutcracker.
The magician Drosselmeyer transforms the drawing room into a battle between mice and toy soldiers. During the battle, Clara saves the Nutcracker’s life – so breaking a magical spell that turned him from a boy to a toy – and the Mouse King is defeated. In celebration, Drosselmeyer sweeps Clara and the Nutcracker off to the Kingdom of Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and take part in a wonderful display of dances. The next morning, Clara’s adventures seem to have been more than just a dream.
The Nutcracker is a family favourite at Christmas time and is one of the most delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet. The story of Clara, a girl on a magical Christmas Eve adventure, is accompanied by sparkling music and even dancing sweets! Watch the full company of The Royal Ballet in this much-loved ballet classic.
(2hr 40min)