Tue. Nov 19th, 2024

English National Ballet presents the world premiere of Nutcracker this Christmas

Nutcracker WORLD PREMIERE
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton: 28 – 30 November 2024
London Coliseum:12 December 2024 – 12 January 2025

 As part of its 75th Season, English National Ballet presents the world premiere of a new production of the classic festive ballet, Nutcracker, choreographed by the Company’s own Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Arielle Smith.

English National Ballet’s Artistic Director and joint choreographer of Nutcracker, Aaron S. Watkin, said: Nutcracker holds a special place in English National Ballet’s history and in the hearts of our audiences. The Company has performed a version of it every year since it was founded in 1950 and it is an honour to be working with Arielle and Dick to bring new magic and wonder to this much-loved ballet.”

A celebration of classical ballet, this new version of Nutcracker will feature exquisite dancing, spectacular costumes and sets by Dick Bird, lighting by Paul Pyant, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic under the baton of the Company’s new Music Director, Maria Seletskaja.

Nutcracker will take audiences on a fantastical Christmas adventure as they join Clara on her journey of discovery. Starting on the streets of Edwardian London and Drosselymeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium, audiences follow Clara to a dazzling ice realm before a grand celebration arranged by the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Land of Sweets and Delights.

Continuing the Company’s commitment to UK touring and sharing world-class ballet with the widest possible audience, Nutcracker will receive its world premiere at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre (28 – 30 November 2024) before performances at the London Coliseum (12 December 2024 – 12 January 2025).

For the first time, English National Ballet will present a relaxed performance of Nutcracker, at the London Coliseum on 9 January 2025.

The creation of this new production has been made possible by Charles Holloway OBE, Lead Supporter of Nutcracker.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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