The Nutcracker Review

Scottish Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family. Whether you are a fan of ballet or not, this spectacular show will undoubtedly work its magic on you. Using Peter Darrell’s original choreography, artistic director Christopher Hampson and renowned designer Lez Brotherston revive this festive classic with shimmering costumes, breath-taking set design and an engaging narrative.

Act One opens with the iconic Christmas party scene at the Colonel’s house with an array of glamorous Victorian guests, both old and young. The arrival of the Drosselmeyer causes a stir of excitement as he performs his magic tricks and presents Clara, the Colonel’s daughter with a toy nutcracker. As night falls and after the guests have all left Clara awakes to find her toy nutcracker has turned into a real life prince, performed by Andrew Peasgood. Clara’s imagination brings us on an adventure of fighting Mouse Kings, Dancing Snowflakes and into the Land of Sweets.

During the final scene of Act One the stage glows with the Waltz of the Snowflakes with an icy backdrop, sparkling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music performed by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. Sophie Martin is spectacular as the Snow Queen and she commands the stage with elegance and grace.

In Act Two we are introduced to some more exotic characters in the Land of the Sweets. Clara is welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy, performed by the radiant Constance Devernay and is entertained by a Spanish trio, a Chinese duet and an Arabian soloist (Marge Hendrick). Andrew Peasgood and Constance Devernay’s pas de deux is nothing short of perfection and the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is everything we could hope for and more. I found the use of dark costumes for the Waltz of the Flowers interesting as in other productions they are usually so bright and colourful. 
The imagination and detail in every costume is simply marvellous and it all starts to feel a bit psychedelic with the addition of monkeys and clowns amongst other creatures.

The company bring nothing but sheer skill and grace to each dance and it is obvious the joy each of them feel when they are performing. A special tribute must be paid to the children performing in this show as the level of professionalism and competence was outstanding in each of their performances.

This is the best production I have seen by Scottish Ballet to date and they have brought something new to this classic piece. So this Christmas treat yourself to this assault on the senses and let the magic wash over you.