EntertainmentOpera & BalletTheatre

The Nutcracker at the Liverpool Empire Review

enbnutcracker2016The Nutcracker
Liverpool Empire

29 November to 3 December 2016

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Reviewed by Jan Mellor

I must admit I am not a big ballet fan, but years ago I saw The Nutcracker and I remember that I enjoyed it so I went to the Liverpool Empire looking forward to the traditionally Christmassy ballet, performed by the English National Ballet, with great anticipation. Men in the row behind me were explaining that to see a ballet was on their ‘bucket list’ and this was the first one they had come to see.

On the opening scene, it is Christmas Eve and the children Clara and Freddie are excited as their parents are holding a Christmas Party. The scene dramatically changes from their bedroom to a magical scene of a big house, with guests arriving and people skating on the icy Thames. You are instantly transported to another era, another time – another world. The party scene is glamorous with children and adults dancing romantically across the wonderful set of a grand hall. In the hall presents are piled under an amazing Christmas tree and a family friend, Dr Drosselmeyer, attends and introduces a puppet theatre and presents Clara with a delightful nutcracker doll. Accidently her brother breaks the doll but the doctor mystically repairs it. The magic of Clara dancing with her doll transfixes the audience. The party ends and everyone goes home and the children go to bed. Clara has a nightmare were the evil Mouse King takes the Nutcracker and the stage transforms to a dramatic array of rats and mice chasing the Nutcracker who transforms into a real life soldier as it snows across the stage. A hot air balloon takes Clara, the Soldier and the doctor away to safety – with the Mouse King clinging to its sides.

The second act starts with the balloon landing in a magical place and dancers from all over the world – China, Arabia, Russia and Spain come to life and the stage then melts into a beautiful garden and the ballerinas perform the Waltz of the Flowers. The final dance is the wonderful Sugar Plum Fairy ‘pas de deux’ which transfixed the audience. All dancers join on stage in a final array and the audience in awe are up on their feet applauding. The ballet ends with Clara waking up in bed and Dr Drosselmeyer going home. Wow!!!

It was a truly magical evening. I would recommend that everyone sees the Nutcracker as it instantly transports you to an enchanted Christmas world and brings fairy tales alive in front of your eyes. The costumes, dancing/choreography and sets are faultless and the talented children and adults on stage guide you to a world filled with wonder and charm. It was a wonderful way to welcome Christmas. I turned to see the reaction of the men behind me and they simply said “that was stunning and probably one of the best things we have seen!” I couldn’t have put it better myself!

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

Tickets cost from £13.90 to £44.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

The Nutcracker is at the Liverpool Empire until 3 December 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.

Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017

5Star

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