The Nutcracker - The Royal Ballet

Putting us in the mood for Christmas!

Filmed on stage at the Royal Opera House, This interpretation of The Nutcracker has been enchanting children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984.

Given an enchanted Nutcracker doll at a Christmas Eve party, Clara embarks, at the stroke of midnight, on a magical journey with her Nutcracker (now made human). After the battle of the toys and the mice they are later whisked away to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Kingdom of Sweets before she awakes on Christmas morning to wonder if it was all a dream….

Some extraordinary dancing effects accompany Tchaikovsky’s “spine-tingling” music – the angels gliding as if on ball bearings, the flurry of the snowflakes, the ecstasy conveyed by Clara and the Nutcracker in their soaring leaps.

The set is so rich in detail that seeing it close-up in cinema format is a real bonus. The transformation of the scale of the set and the Christmas tree is achieved by “wonderfully old-fashioned theatre magic, done by lifts, traps and muscle-power”, a treat to watch.

Peter Wright’s acclaimed interpretation of the 1892 ballet combined with Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous, iconic score are presented in a festive period setting with vivid designs to make this a charming and magical production.

We are showing two screenings – an afternoon matinee and an evening performance. Families are welcome to either show*

Come and enjoy this magical Christmas tale. No Christmas is complete without it.

*All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm