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.
Get tickets here.