The Nutcracker 2019

Event: Sir Peter Wright’s production of The Nutcracker (Birmingham Royal Ballet)

Location: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham

Dates: 22nd Nov – 14th December 2019

“Utterly magical”

I usually write my reviews for performances as soon as I get home, but as always after watching a Birmingham Royal Ballet performance, I was unable to. As they leave you in a content, relaxed state, where you just want to lie back and relive what you just saw on the stage, all over again in your mind. When people say The Nutcracker is exquisite, they are 100% correct.

So last night, I came home playing back scenes in my head of what I had seen. The enormous Christmas Tree on the stage, the way the stage scenes would change so effortlessly. The beautiful pas de deux in Act 1 between Clara (Karla Doorbar) and her Prince (Cesar Morales), the flawless classical pas de deux by the Sugar Plum Fairy (Miki Mizutani), The Waltz of the Snowflakes. Scene after scene and on my face, smile after smile. As that is what Sir Peter Wright’s production of The Nutcracker will leave you doing, smiling. From ear to ear.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story of The Nutcracker, it is the story of a young girls journey to a magical land on Christmas Eve, where she dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a battle with a Mouse King (or rat in this adaptation). The dream is filled with beautiful dances (look out for The Waltz of the Flowers and the Grand pas de deux by Miki Mizutani and Cesar Morales), the Land of Snow with the most elegant dance by dancing snowflakes and so much more. When the dream ends, Clara awakens to find herself by the Christmas Tree with her beloved Nutcracker toy.

Karla Doorbar who plays the role of Clara certainly deserved the flowers that she was handed at the end of the show. The role of Clara sees her on the stage for the entirety of the performance, only leaving when she ‘turns into’ the Sugar Plum Fairy. Karla manages to maintain the energy and perfection that she gives to her role throughout the show, which I found truly amazing.

Karla is perfect for the role and it is not surprising that she has played the role of Clara for a few years now, it is obvious that the audience and Birmingham Royal Ballet also can see what a perfect fit she is.

If I had to choose a favourite scene of the show, it would be the fight between the rats and the soldiers. I almost want to say that the rats were so life like. But then I’ve never seen rats wearing coats, so I’m unsure I can say that. But the movement of the artists of Birmingham Royal Ballet who play the role of the rats was phenomenal and perfectly choreographed. As a little extra knowledge, the suit that Brandon Lawrence wears, who plays The Rat King weighs 20kg.

Tzu-Chao Chou a personal favourite dancer of mine from Birmingham Royal Ballet, played the Jack-in-the-Box . His role caused laughter across the audience and the ability to move and dance so well in the costume, deserves recognition.

Samara Downs (The Snow Fairy) and Celine Gittens (The Rose Fairy) were both magnificent in their performances. Beautiful, elegant and graceful. My eyes transfixed on their performances.

Aitor Galende and his footwork in the Russian Dance was exemplary. If you purchase the Programme, there is an interview with Aitor where he explains that he is able to perform 11 of the roles in The Nutcracker. That to me just further demonstrates what a talented dancer he is.

And last but definitely not least, is a huge recognition for the Royal Ballet Sinfonia who were phenomenal. Conductor Paul Murphy and Leader Robert Gibbs along with all of the musicians, made the performance as spectacular as it was.

I don’t want to spoil any more of the performance for you, so will leave my write up there. I’ve given you a sneak peek and I wholeheartedly recommend you get tickets to go and see it. Even if you’ve never been to the ballet or don’t think Ballet would be for you, I’m unsure anyone could walk away from this performance disappointed.

It was utterly magical.

Disclaimer: I was invited along to the Press Performance in return for an honest review. All views and opinions are my own. All photographs by the very talented Bill Cooper.