The Nutcracker by Birmingham Royal Ballet

Rory Mackay as Drosselmeyer

A cracking ballet that you would be nuts to miss! Have you guessed what it is yet? Yes, it is the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive classic, The Nutcracker. Returning to the Birmingham Hippodrome after extensive rebuilding of the sets, this beautiful ballet is a wonderful start to the Christmas season.

Karla Doorbar as Clara

As we followed Clara through her family’s Christmas Eve festivities we were treated not only to mesmerising ballet, but also a magical performance, stunning costumes and scenery that brought the whole experience to life. These only became more so as we followed Clara through her journey to the lands of snow and sweets and home again. Whether being attacked by rats, flying on a snow white swan or being transformed into the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara led us into a world of imagination fuelled by the beauty of what was laid out on stage before us.

For those who know The Nutcracker, you will not be disappointed, as the storyline is true to Sir Peter Wright’s original production which was gifted to the people of Birmingham. And the people came to receive it, as the cavernous Hippodrome Theatre was virtually full to capacity. However, it was this popularity, as well as the many other events going on in Birmingham (as well as some unfortunate roadworks) that nearly resulted in us missing the first act due to a severe lack of parking spaces. So, my advice? Book now. Leave home early. Park a bit further away than you normally would. Have a walk through Birmingham as it lights up for Christmas. Get lost in a magical world.

Special thanks to Birmingham Royal Ballet for inviting us along to review the show.

Photo credit to Bill Cooper

https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/brb-nutcracker-22/#performances

This show is perfect for families and BRB offers some special packages:

Young people can watch The Nutcracker for as little as £15.25 with the Family Offer. available at someTuesday to Friday performances, Under-16s tickets pay half the price of an accompanying full-price paying adult.

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