⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It was ‘Allsorts’ of awesome”
Forget the traditional Nutcracker that you know, Matthew Bourne gives you a brand new take on the classic. There’s still the traditional Tchaikovsky score that you will all be familiar with, but the story is new -a scenario created by the incredibly talented Matthew Bourne, Martin Duncan and Anthony Ward. Throw in the fabulous choreography by Matthew Bourne himself and you have a ballet that transports you to a whole new world.
Unlike the grand mansion setting of the traditional ballet, we find ourselves in a dark, monochrome Dickensian orphanage. It is Christmas Eve and a party is happening, overseen by Dr (Danny Reubens) and Mrs Dross (Daisy May Kemp) and their tremendously spoilt children Fritz (Dominic North) and Sugar (Ashley Shaw). Clara (Cordelia Braithwaite) and the other children (played by adult dancers) are treated badly and then one night, something magical happens with the Nutcracker which just so happens to be a ventriloquist dummy (Harrison Dowzell)… I do not want to spoil the spectacle that comes next but lets just say, you will be either smiling or gazing in awe with your mouth wide open. Gone is the dark, drab orphanage as we welcome… well… you will have to get tickets to see.
The ballet is easy to follow, the story flows and along with graceful and elegant ballet dancing, the performance is full of moments of humour, mystery, magic and extravagance. Act II is a colourful, psychedelic, sweetie heaven. Allsorts, marshmallows, gobstoppers, a humbug and a knickerbocker glory all dance on the stage to melody after melody. Tchaikovsky brings the magic, over and over again whilst Anthony Ward’s delectable set designs (trust me – they are superb) and costumes help this performance to shine.
The cast work impeccably together, a real sense of togetherness and talent shone from the stage. Ashley Shaw and Cordelia Braithwaite were enticing to watch and Harrison Dowzell captivated not just me but it seemed everyone was drawn in to his performance.
A truly exceptional show that really must be seen!
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! is at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 12th February 2022.
You can book tickets here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/matthew-bournes-nutcracker-2/
Disclaimer: We were invited along to Birmingham Hippodrome to the press showing of Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! All thoughts and opinions are entirely our own.