Christmas Culture Theatre

The Nutcracker at the Coliseum

The Nutcracker at the Coliseum | Theatre review

At the magnificent Coliseum from the English National Ballet,  The Nutcracker is a good Christmas favourite, worth the price of admission if only for the wonderful dancing (during this performance a young girl was observed twirling in her box). 

It has however always been weak on story, particularly in the second act, and the slightly repetitive choreography might bore though Tchaikovsky will always seduce.  Every so often one is distracted by some minor detail of action at the edge of the stage, but for younger viewers this will provide a feast for wandering eyes.  One would certainly not want a production heavy on allegory or metaphor – the caprice of the story is compelling enough. 

The dancers are all excellent – one almost misses the quick metamorphoses from child to adult – which are among the choreography’s masterful touches.  It is perhaps a little gentle, particularly as the story is not made much of, though wild oriental caprices are enjoyable. One never senses the danger of nightmare, much as one is seduced by the fantasy of dreams. 

It is beautiful, and this will more than suffice, not perhaps as art – but that is pompous. It will produce wonder, which, like dream, and perhaps nightmare, is always the beginning of art. 

Stephen Powell

The Nutcracker is at the Coliseum until 5th January 2014. For further information visit the show’s website here.

More in Theatre

50 First Dates: The Musical at the Other Palace

Sophie Humphrey

Bacchae at the National Theatre

Benedetta Mancusi

Entertaining Mr Sloane at the Young Vic

Michael Higgs

Titus Andronicus at Hampstead Theatre

Michael Higgs

Emma at Rose Theatre

Natallia Pearmain

“She is innocent and monstrous at the same time”: Maxim Didenko on Salomé at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Emilia Gould

The Weir at Harold Pinter Theatre

Maggie O'Shea

The Sicilian Vespers at Royal Opera House

Nina Doroushi

The Land of the Living at the National Theatre

Constance Ayrton