THE EVER-POPULAR SCOTTISH BALLET RETURN TO NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

Scotland’s national dance company are bringing a traditional favourite to Newcastle Theatre Royal (Wed 2 – Sat 5 Feb 2022).  Enrobed in snow, ice, candy and pure enchantment, prepare to take a magical sleigh ride with Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker as the sumptuous production makes a much welcomed return.

A firm family favourite, this magical adventure takes audiences on a journey through the worlds of a child’s imagination. It follows Clara, as she drifts off to sleep on Christmas Eve and meets the dashing Nutcracker Prince, fights off the larger-than-life Rat King, and is welcomed into the Land of Sweets by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.

The much-lovedTchaikovsky score will be performed live in all its glory by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.

Originally choreographed by Scottish Ballet founder Peter Darrell in 1972, Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker was re-imagined in 2014 by CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson, working with multi-award-winning Designer Lez Brotherson. It includes unforgettable scenes such as on-stage snow, a whirling Victorian Christmas party, and a mesmerizing duet in front of a wall of 4,500 gleaming baubles.

The Nutcracker is a timeless festive story that has delighted audiences around the world for over a century. As part of the Company’s sustained commitment to drive anti-racism in ballet, and to ensure it remains relevant today and for the future, Scottish Ballet continues to make subtle but important changes to some of the characters, costumes and choreography. Following ongoing consultancy, the Chinese and Arabian-inspired divertissements in the Land of Sweets will have updated costumes and choreography to remove elements of caricature and better represent the culture and traditions which have inspired them. The enigmatic magician Drosselmeyer will, in this tour, be played by both male and female dancers.

Christopher Hampson, CEO/Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, said:“We are delighted to be able to share this magical production again and create new memories for our audiences. This tour will be particularly special as we are re-joined by our wonderful Scottish Ballet Orchestra at long last. I am grateful for the support of the Peter Darrell Trust in ensuring that we keep this production alive and relevant for all our audiences, now and in the future.”

Scottish Ballet The Nutcracker plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Wed 2 – Sat 5 Feb 2022. Tickets are priced from £20.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.