This exquisite production, by Birmingham Royal Ballet, with its enchanting story, breathtaking choreography, and unforgettable music, continues to captivate the hearts of audiences young and old more than two centuries on.
Catch the enchanting production of The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome, running until Saturday, 14th December. (Images: John Persson.)
As Birmingham Royal Ballet raises the curtain on this most cherished of Christmas traditions, we explore why it remains just as magical today as it was when it first graced the stage in the 19th century:
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Packed with Sparkle and Magic
A visual feast from start to finish, The Nutcracker features 60 world-class dancers and live music from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. The production brings Clara’s magical journey to life, from the enchanted world of dancing snowflakes to the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy.
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A Centuries-Old Tale
The story of The Nutcracker dates back to 1816, originating from the German novella The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. It follows a young girl named Clara (or Marie in some versions) who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift from her godfather, Drosselmeyer.
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A Tale of Enchantment
At the heart of The Nutcracker lies a journey into a magical world where toys come to life and dreams take flight. Clara’s adventure takes her through a realm of wonder, where she encounters characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the brave Nutcracker Prince.
Iconic moments like the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers, and the climactic battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King are brought to life through exquisite choreography, each movement meticulously crafted to tell a spellbinding story.
For tickets click [here].
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And Then There’s the Music
Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score has become synonymous with the festive season. From the opening notes of the Overture to the whimsical Dance of the Mirlitons, his melodies are integral to the ballet’s enduring appeal, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder that audiences continue to cherish.
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A Ballet for All Ages
What remains so remarkable about The Nutcracker is its ability to resonate across generations. For grandparents, it’s a chance to relive the magic of their youth, while younger audiences experience the enchantment for the first time. With its universal themes of family, imagination, and the joy of Christmas, it remains a cherished holiday classic.
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The Grand Ballet Experience
Not yet booked for The Nutcracker in Birmingham? Why not make your visit even more special with a stay at the iconic Grand Hotel? Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast and tickets to see The Nutcracker.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is offering a limited number of exclusive packages, which include a double room (with breakfast) and tickets to the performance. These packages are available for select dates between 29th November and 14th December 2024.
For more information click [here]. (All packages are subject to availability.)
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OPUS: The Next Stage – Augmented Reality Experience
This winter, Birmingham Royal Ballet takes The Nutcracker beyond the stage with an exciting new augmented reality (AR) experience through OPUS: The Next Stage. Using the OPUS App, audiences can bring virtual BRB principal dancers to life wherever they are, making world-class ballet accessible anytime, anywhere.
Accessible through The Nutcracker poster at Birmingham Hippodrome, the AR experience unlocks interactive content for the public. Ticket holders can also enjoy an exclusive interactive program. By the end of the season, these immersive experiences will be available nationwide.
Download the app [here] and for more information, click [here].
