Christmas has arrived at Theatre Severn, as The Russian State Ballet and Opera House treated audiences to their production of the festive classic, The Nutcracker.
Jenn Feasey, had the pleasure of watching their truly enchanting performance, which enthralled an audience of all ages and certainly marked the start of the Christmas season.
The ballet is based on E.T.A Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and tells the story of a young girl who receives the Christmas gift of a nutcracker doll which magically comes to life and later transforms into a prince. A fantastical adventure filled with fairies, armies of mice and soldiers, and dancing snowflakes and confectionary ensues.
Dancing to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House superbly brought to life the festive tale’s most iconic scenes. The March at the opening of Act One was utterly joyous and perfectly captured a sense of innocent, childish gaiety, whilst the Waltz of the Snowflakes and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy were both sublimely graceful.
The Spanish, Arabian, Chinese and Russian Dances were also a joy to watch; elegant and energetic in equal measure and demonstrating spectacular precision.
A special mention must also be made to the gloriously opulent costumes and gleaming, dazzling backdrop, which perfectly complemented the tremendous skills of a marvellously talented cast.
The Russian State Ballet and Opera House’s take on The Nutcracker is a beautiful, fanciful production that surely cannot fail to put a smile on one’s face.
The Nutcracker was performed at Theatre Severn on Saturday 5 November 2016.
Review by: Jenna Feasey
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