Synopsis

Peter Wright’s timeless and enchanting interpretation of The Nutcracker has been in The Royal Ballet’s repertory for over thirty years. Presented in a festive period setting, this charming and magical production features Marianela Nuñez as the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy and Vadim Muntagirov as her charming Prince. Vivid designs and spellbinding stage effects which include authentic Christmas tree decorations that magically come to life, and Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous, iconic score combine to create the quintessential Christmas ballet – an opulent treat for the senses for audiences of all ages. (Recorded live in 2018).  

In the townhouse where the Stahlbaums are entertaining, all is firelit warmth. Adults watch as children tear open their presents. There are party games, a conjuring show, and angels fashioned from gingerbread and marzipan. It’s a dream of Christmas past. As the magician Drosselmeyer, a role he has played for many seasons now, Gary Avis has achieved national treasure status, and Anna Rose O’Sullivan is vivid and bright-eyed as Clara, the teenager whose transformative dream-journey the ballet describes. Her Nutcracker, as charming as the day is long, is the spring-heeled Marcelino Sambé. The corps whirl and swirl as snowflakes, the divertissements are dashed off with elan – Fumi Kaneko inscribing lovely lines in the air as the Rose Fairy – and the grand pas de deux is rendered with flawless grandeur by Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov.

Critics Views

“The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker is both opulent and cosy. The heroine’s magical journey takes her from a family party to the glitter of the Land of Sweets, where Marianela Nuñez is a Sugar Plum Fairy of radiant warmth and grandeur. Anna Rose O’Sullivan, who danced Clara on opening night, is rising through the company’s ranks. She’s a poised, stylish dancer, with a vivid response to the music – I love the way she’ll slow or open out a phrase as she dances it, highlighting the rhythm and emotional impact. There was gorgeous dancing from Nuñez’s Sugar Plum, partnered by Vadim Muntagirov. With burnished technique and elegant line, they also make the grand pas de deux a conversation: those formal gestures are full of give and take, connection and response. As the magician Drosselmeyer, Gary Avis directed the action with heart as well as swagger, while the company dancing was bright and confident.” (The Independent ★★★★)

“Wright’s handling of the back-to-reality apotheosis is still the best I’ve seen … … this Nutcracker is good enough to deserve its sold-out status throughout the run.” (The Arts Desk)

“The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker returns as magical as ever to cast its spell over London audiences and – via the live cinema relay on opening night – thousands across the globe. Exquisitely costumed, it dazzles the eye and so does much of the dancing. Anna Rose O’Sullivan is a charming Clara, suitably girlish at the party, where she cradles the nutcracker given to her by Drosselmeyer. Barry Wordsworth, former Music Director of the Royal Ballet, knows Tchaikovsky’s score like the back of his hand and led an assured account, sensibly paced, with teasing rubatos in the Mirlitons deliciously held.” (Bachtrack ★★★★)

“… When it comes to Nutcrackers, there is simply nothing to beat it. Clara’s pas de deux with the Nutcracker literally jumps for joy; the Land of Snow is a glittering snowstorm of felicitous dancing for the ensemble; the national dances of Act II are vivacious and, in the case of the Arabian one, wonderfully sensual. … as Clara, Anna Rose O’Sullivan seemed to float on the elation of adventure and newfound feelings. She was clearly having so much fun, just like the rest of us.” (The Times ★★★★★)

Film Rating

Stockbridge Audience Score: 97%

Audience Comments

In my head I danced every step!
A classic. Brilliant
Excellent choice. Perhaps not EVERY Christmas as some have suggested! Saved going to ROH – and a touch cheaper! Thank you!
Superb
Superb performance. We think there is a demograph in Stockbridge that would appreciate more ballet and additionally opera.
Brilliant idea and a perfect Christmas experience. Really enjoyed it.
Thought there was a very slight distortion on some sounds at times. Not a spoiler though.
Even I, not a fan of classical ballet, enjoyed the athleticism and grace of the dancers. The film had a good balance of wide shots and close-ups, and the orchestra was excellent.
Once or twice the sound, was a little off line.
A beautiful visual and musical feast
Enchanting in every way – and a real treat to have the opportunity to see it.
A magical performance ,amazing dancers. Over too soon
A truly wonderful film which also ‘connected with’ our 4-year old grandson!
Wonderful to see the dancers so close up and a delight to see their costumes
Next best thing to experiencing a live production.
I am not a ballet fan particularly but thought that the music and dance were both brilliant, not to mention the imaginative set. Great choice for Christmas.
The music and dancing were wonderful however I did get a little bored and thought the filming could be more creative.
Everything we had expected