Returning to the Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 13 December, festive family favorite The Nutcracker is guaranteed to surprise and delight. The jewel in the crown of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s (BRB) repertoire, this updated production of the classic Ballet combines incredible live orchestra, unparalleled athleticism and a healthy dose of fun to make for an unforgettable evening.  

Merriment abounds as the Christmas festivities begin in the Stahlbaum household. Amongst the host of glamorous guests is Drosselmeyer, a conjurer and magician hired as the evening's entertainment. The night is reaching it’s crescendo and the party is in full swing, but when young Clara is given an enigmatic and magical nutcracker, her evening takes an unexpected and extraordinary turn. As the clock strikes midnight she shrinks, descending into a fantasy realm, where toy soldiers prance into life, rats grow to the size of people, and her family Christmas tree looms high over her head.  

From the off, the first thrilling notes of the overture foreshadow the adventure that is to come, with Jean-Claude Picard leading the Royal Ballet Sinfonia through the iconic music with infectious enthusiasm. The music is consistently fantastic, with Tchaikovsky’s well-known motifs perfectly scoring the action. Indeed, Act 2 contains so many instantly recognizable pieces in such quick succession that the audience is all but singing along by the time the Sugar Plum Fairies arrive.  

The genius of this production is in its pacey storytelling. Carlos Acosta’s precise direction means the technically complex and highly skilled dance perfectly illustrates the character dynamics, so the story bounces along unencumbered. Meanwhile the dance itself is an astonishing display of world-class athleticism, Reina Fuchigami, Miki Mizutani, Max Maslen and Lachlan Monaghan all amaze in their principal roles.  

Another strength is in its sense of fun. Amid the discipline, poise and exactitude, there is a gleeful pandemonium, exemplified by Ryan Felix, Javier Rojas and Riku Ito in their roles as The Magician’s Assistant, Harlequin and Jack-in-the-box respectively. This fun is contagious; it immerses us in Clara’s dream world and draws us all in, adults and children alike. 

Luxurious scenery, opulent costumes, jaw-dropping dancing, beautiful music, falling snow, pyrotechnics, swashbuckling adventure, romance, and a truly enormous Christmas tree - this ballet really does have something for everyone. Seasoned Ballet veterans and newcomers alike will be rapt throughout, moved to laughter and tears by this well-loved story - that doesn’t show any signs of going out of style.

Five Stars

The Nutcracker, performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet, was reviewed by Todd Jennings on Friday 21 November at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until  Saturday 13 December