In a crowded theatrical season this is one of the not-to-be missed biggies. Ever since its first creation 120 years ago The Nutcracker has been a Christmas favourite because of Tchaikovsky’s magical and mysterious score full of wonderful tunes and it’s delightful storyline in which Clara, a young girl on the brink of womanhood is transported for one last childhood adventure to the world of sweeties.
I haven’t seen this version since 2008 when I thought it was looking tired and should be rested for a bit. But it’s amazing what a few years can do because with a brand new younger-than-yesterday cast the amazing Mr Bourne once more has a sure-fire hit on his hands with a new production that’s as fresh as paint. In fact the first act confirms that the combination of his highly original choreography with Tchaikovsky’s score is a collaboration of two theatrical geniuses.
Unlike some of his other ballets Matthew hasn’t brought The Nutcracker up to date but rather relocated it in time and space. So instead of the great family party in a well-to-do Russian household we are transported to a Dickensian orphanage where it’s literally Christmas Eve in the workhouse and the starved and brutalised children have to make their own toys out of sticks and string.
When the children are doled out well-wisher’s presents only to have them snatched away again by the proprietor’s nastily spoiled kids the effect is overwhelmingly touching, and I admit to more than a tear as the child who longed for a doll receives a football instead.
The ensuing scenes where the playthings are turned into weapons in the battle between the oppressed youngsters and the powers that be shows the choreographer at his most inventive. I won’t spoil the development of the plot for you, save to say it is quite literally, jaw-droppingly unexpected, as it should be. This is one of the great theatrical spectacles of modern times.
I still think there’s a problem with the second half in which Clara repeatedly tries to get into a ball where the decadent sweetie-eaters effortlessly gain admittance. It’s probably a fault of the ballet’s original structure, but here Tchaikovsky’s series of set piece international dances don’t seem to fit having new ideas imposed on them easily . Maybe the choreography needs a re-work, I don’t know, and maybe many would disagree.
But in any case for me the marvellous first act alone is worth the price of admission, and I know I’m not alone in this view because when the audience began synchronised clapping at the end I knew for certain that 20 years after its first showing, Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! has finally become a cult.
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! runs at the Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent until December 26. For tickets call 0844 8717649 of go online at www.atgtickets.com/stoke.
