The Nutcracker this October
Last year New English Ballet Theatre embarked on their first-ever tour of a full-length ballet, The Nutcracker, featuring fresh new choreography by Valentino Zucchetti.
Blending tradition with a stylish, modern re-imagining, NEBT’s sparkling new production attracted capacity audiences at all venues and rave reviews across the board. In December the company took the production to Nassau, Bahamas and, as a result, further enhanced their international standing.
Says NEBT Artistic Director Karen Pilkington-Miksa MBE: ‘Together with a cracking team of creative talent and a stunning cast of dancers, we have crafted a modern interpretation of a classical ballet together with elegant costumes, a sparkling libretto and meticulous new choreography by NEBT’s award-winning Associate Choreographer, Valentino Zucchetti.
‘I had been keen to stage this much-loved, seasonal classic for some time and, thanks to our wonderful sponsors, the aspiration came to fruition in 2025. It’s with great pleasure that we'll be taking our hugely popular production on tour.’
Young Clara’s magical journey begins at an elegant, present-day Christmas party in a beautiful home, with a roaring fire. Guests arrive and greet the hosts before mingling and chatting. With a glass of champagne in hand, they dance to the music before opening their individual Christmas presents.
Clara is surprised and delighted to receive an unusual gift: a Lego-style nutcracker from a mysterious guest…who may also be a magician and hypnotist. As she dances delightedly with her new gift, she has no idea it will soon transport her – and the audience - into a fantastic world of snowy landscapes, dancing pirates and soldiers, romantic moments and a sense of pure magic. Danced to the world-famous score by Tchaikovsky, NEBT’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences into a world of mystery and imagination.
Says Valentino Zucchetti ‘I am really excited that NEBT is once again presenting our successful production of The Nutcracker. Last year we worked really hard to bring a compact, swift and fresh production of the iconic ballet to audiences of all ages; I am really excited for more people to experience the magic our wonderful dancers will deliver!’
