Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (The Royal Ballet)

Marianela Nuñez (The Sugar Plum Fairy); Vadim Muntagirov (The Prince); Anna Rose O'Sullivan (Clara); Marcelino Sambé (Hans-Peter/The Nutcracker); Gary Avis (Herr Drosselmeyer);

Peter Wright’s timeless and enchanting interpretation of The Nutcracker has been in The Royal Ballet’s repertory for over thirty years. Presented in a festive period setting, this charming and magical production features Marianela Nuñez as the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy and Vadim Muntagirov as her charming Prince.

Vivid designs and spellbinding stage effects which include authentic Christmas tree decorations that magically come to life, and Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous, iconic score combine to create the quintessential Christmas ballet – an opulent treat for the senses for audiences of all ages.

Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true surround sound.

Reviews

"The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker is both opulent and cosy. The heroine’s magical journey takes her from a family party to the glitter of the Land of Sweets, where Marianela Nuñez is a Sugar Plum Fairy of radiant warmth and grandeur. Anna Rose O’Sullivan, who danced Clara on opening night, is rising through the company’s ranks. She’s a poised, stylish dancer, with a vivid response to the music – I love the way she’ll slow or open out a phrase as she dances it, highlighting the rhythm and emotional impact. There was gorgeous dancing from Nuñez’s Sugar Plum, partnered by Vadim Muntagirov. With burnished technique and elegant line, they also make the grand pas de deux a conversation: those formal gestures are full of give and take, connection and response. As the magician Drosselmeyer, Gary Avis directed the action with heart as well as swagger, while the company dancing was bright and confident." (The Independent ★★★★)

"Wright's handling of the back-to-reality apotheosis is still the best I've seen … … this Nutcracker is good enough to deserve its sold-out status throughout the run." (The Arts Desk)

"The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker returns as magical as ever to cast its spell over London audiences and – via the live cinema relay on opening night – thousands across the globe. Exquisitely costumed, it dazzles the eye and so does much of the dancing. Anna Rose O’Sullivan is a charming Clara, suitably girlish at the party, where she cradles the nutcracker given to her by Drosselmeyer. Barry Wordsworth, former Music Director of the Royal Ballet, knows Tchaikovsky’s score like the back of his hand and led an assured account, sensibly paced, with teasing rubatos in the Mirlitons deliciously held." (Bachtrack ★★★★)

"… When it comes to Nutcrackers, there is simply nothing to beat it. Clara’s pas de deux with the Nutcracker literally jumps for joy; the Land of Snow is a glittering snowstorm of felicitous dancing for the ensemble; the national dances of Act II are vivacious and, in the case of the Arabian one, wonderfully sensual. … as Clara, Anna Rose O’Sullivan seemed to float on the elation of adventure and newfound feelings. She was clearly having so much fun, just like the rest of us." (The Times ★★★★★)

Extra features

The Nutcracker: An Introduction; Darcey Bussell at The Royal Ballet School; Cast Gallery