The Royal Ballet doesn’t bring its Nutcracker down from the loft every year, but no production more reliably begins the festive season. The 1984 production by Sir Peter Wright – 96 and still going strong, as shown by his stick-waving curtain call – is classy and correct. Less Heston From Waitrose, more a classic slice of Mary Berry.
On opening night, Gary Avis’ heartfelt Drosselmeyer gave the show its tender core. The magician’s nephew has been turned into a nutcracker doll, so at the Stahlbaums’ Christmas party, he entrusts it to young Clara, who immediately cradles it. The nutcracker is in safe hands – and comes to life after bedtime, joining Clara to battle marauding mice and then visit the Kingdom of Sweets.
