The Nutcracker has always been one of (if not my favourite) Christmas stories. It’s no real secret The Nutcracker was my childhood crush and the story has everything I could possibly want – magic, high adventure and just a hint of romance. Based on the E.T.A Hoffman German fairytale – our heroine Marie’s favourite toy The Nutcracker comes to life, does battle with the Mouse King and whisks her off to a land of dolls and sweets. Because of course he does. Oh yeah and it’s totally set at Christmas which is my favourite time of year ever.
I loved Scottish Ballet’s production of Sleeping Beauty – but I have been waiting for them to bring back The Nutcracker forever. I’m particularly excited to see their interpretation of the Nutcracker’s origin story (because let’s face it, it is going to be crazy beautiful.) Scottish Ballet’s set and costume design is always one of my favourite things and I am love with the Terry Gilliamesque set pieces especially the giant hand and pocket watch. The costumes look amazing. I’m kind of in love with The Governess/Dame Mouserink costume – all black, corset, long skirt, tale, claw and cane. DREAM.
The ballet is one of my favourite things to do at Christmas so pretty hyped to see The Nutcracker. One thing I love about Scottish Ballet is that they do this Under 26 scheme, where if you are under 26 (name kind of says it all really) you can score yourself some sweet tickets on the day for £10. There is now literally no excuse not to go to the theatre.
Touring
Scotland, Belfast and Newcastle from December 2012 – February 2013
Theatre
Royal, Glasgow 8 – 29 December 2012
Festival
Theatre, Edinburgh 8 – 12 January 2013
His
Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen 16 – 19 January 2013
Eden
Court Theatre, Inverness 23 – 26 January 2013
Grand
Opera House, Belfast
Theatre
Royal, Newcastle 6 – 9 February 2013
Conceived
by Ashley Page and Antony McDonald
Music
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky/ Lighting by Peter Mumford
Associate
set designer Juliette Blondelle /Associate costume designer Michelle
May
Incorporating
original choreography by Lev Ivanov