Familiarity, surprise and a sumptuously sparkling set from Lez Brotherston: that’s Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker. It’s a wonderful escape on a sub-zero evening. The orchestra is superb and Daniel Parkinson’s musicians deliver Tchaikovsky’s score with aplomb and tenderness in turn. The corp de ballet and the principals effortlessly float and gracefully swirl as if the demanding choreography were simple.
The layered, cosy set is like a warm hug. It draws you in and cradles you in its dreamworld. Within this cocoon, enjoy the antics of dizzy old Aunts, the swish of crinoline and the magic of Christmas presents, friends and family before transitioning to Clara’s dreamworld.
Lighting by George Thomson adds greatly. Set, lighting and costumes support and showcase the elegance and dynamism of the dancing. Without this sparkling backdrop and array upon array of beautiful garments, the magical aura would never shine so brightly.
Drosselmeyer’s (Grace Horler) glorious costume provides scope for hyperbole. The colour and sweep of the cloak is enormous, emphasising the boundless fantasy of this family ballet. Horler plays the part with perfectly-timed sleight of hand. Her presence dominates the stage, as it should.
New choreography by Christopher Hampson is supplemented. Just like the selection boxes we all indulge in at Christmas time, this production is a delicious mix of influences. Dancers contribute to both the ballet and the growth of the company’s skill set through such practises and The Nutcracker is a perfect opportunity.
Nicholas Shoesmith, Associate Choreographer in Residence, created a slick Battle Scene and a fleet-footed Thomas Edwards did him credit with the English Divertissement. Annie Au, Jessica Fyfe, Sophie Laplane and Kerry Livingstone all took responsibility for various sections of the ballet. I particularly liked Javier Andreu’s Spanish Divertissement which briefly included Clara as more than a token dreamer observing her fantasy. Andreu played the King Rat amid a host of very enjoyable rats.
Ava Morrison, playing Clara, demonstrated confidence in her role. All the children in the production do themselves proud and the direction ensured they had plenty to do on stage which filled the air with hope and expectation.
The main dancers, Bruno Micchiardi as the Nutcracker Prince, Jessica Fyfe (the Snow Queen) and Guilia Tonelli as the Sugar Plum Fairy are all accomplished leads. Christopher Hampson and his creative team clearly coached every performer to give their best. Lez Brotherston clothed them so they felt empowered in their characters amid a dreamworld set to tantalise while Daniel Parkinson and those wonderful musicians made me want to dance. It is a polished, considered and beautifully rendered winter treat.
Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield
Reviewed: 9th January 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
