Starring global ballet superstars Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov, bring the Royal Opera House stage into the comfort of your own home this festive season via Amazon Prime Video

The story of The Nutcracker begins with the 1816 novel by E.T.A Hoffmann, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a little girl whose favourite Christmas gift – a nutcracker doll – comes to life and takes her to a magical world… It was Alexander Dumas’ 1844 short story retelling of Hoffmann’s tale that inspired Tchaikovsky, together with choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, to adapt the story into a ballet.

The premiere took place at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg a week before Christmas 1892. Nine months earlier, Tchaikovsky had premiered his 20 minute The Nutcracker Suite which had been critically acclaimed, so expectations for the full ballet were high. Unfortunately, the early performances were not deemed a success; the roles of the children were danced by children, unlike most performances since, and complaints were made by viewers that they didn’t get to see the star, Italian prima ballerina Antonietta Dell'Era as the Sugar Plum Fairy until close to the end of the production.

The first performance outside of Russia was in 1934 by the Royal Ballet, then known as the Vic-Wells Ballet, staged by Nicholas Sergeyev at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. The Nutcracker has been staged annually in the UK across the country since 1952.

At Opus Arte, we are fortunate to have several Nutcrackers in our repertoire, but the Royal Ballet’s 2018 production is one of our bestsellers. 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 fantasy for the senses for audiences of all ages.

Available to rent or own via Amazon Prime Video, or by subscribing to Marquee TV, its never been easier join Clara and her Nutcracker as they embark on their magical Christmas adventures.

Praise for The Nutcracker:

"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." (The Independent ★★★★)

"… When it comes to Nutcrackers, there is simply nothing to beat it… 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 ★★★★★)

 Watch now on Amazon Prime