ENB’s Stunning New Nutcracker Production Hits the Sweet Spot
The English National Ballet’s latest Nutcracker is a delightful blend of charm and creativity, perfect for the holiday season.
Nutcracker, English National Ballet, London, Christmas, Ballet
London: The Nutcracker is like a yearly treat, a burst of dance and Tchaikovsky’s tunes. Finding the right balance between cheesy and classy can be tough, but the English National Ballet’s new version nails it. It’s fun, pretty, and totally enjoyable.
This production is a team effort between Aaron S Watkin, the artistic director, and up-and-coming choreographer Arielle Smith. You might think they’d split the storytelling and the classical parts, but they’ve created something that feels really cohesive.
We kick things off in Edwardian London, with lively chimney sweeps, suffragettes, and a quirky cheesemonger surrounded by cheeky kids. It’s got a bit of that Mary Poppins vibe mixed with Oliver Twist.
Meanwhile, the posh Stahlbaum family is hosting a Christmas bash. After the party, little Clara sneaks downstairs and dreams of battling mice and flying through the snow with a prince to a magical land.
Producing the Nutcracker can be tricky when it comes to the plot – ENB’s last attempt was a bit all over the place. But this time, the characters reflect Clara’s world perfectly. Her mom is the lovely Sugar Plum Fairy, her aunt is the Ice Queen, and her grandma leads the candy crew. It all makes sense.
One small hiccup is the toymaker Drosselmeyer, who comes off as more creepy than mysterious. Junor Souza gives him a bit too much energy. And yeah, seeing those privileged kids with their gifts might sting a little during tough times.
But there are still plenty of fun moments. I loved the lively servants, the mice stealing snacks, and the feisty Rat King. Dream Clara is played by an adult dancer, showing her future strength as she takes on the Rat King and saves her Nutcracker prince.
The real star of the show might be designer Dick Bird, who, along with Leo Flint’s video work, creates a stunning cityscape that transforms into a magical world. Clara’s sleigh ride with an ice-carved seahorse is just breathtaking.
The directors have also reimagined the traditional dances, moving away from outdated stereotypes. Instead of the usual routines, we get dances inspired by Ukrainian, Egyptian, and Spanish cultures, making it fresh and exciting. Emma Hawes’ Sugar Plum is a showstopper, her footwork is just mesmerizing.
ENB is hoping this production will be a holiday favorite for years to come – there’s so much to enjoy!
London Coliseum, to January 12; ballet.org.uk