THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON, ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS ITS ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF NUTCRACKER AT THE LIVERPOOL EMPIRE FROM 29TH NOVEMBER TO 3RD DECEMBER.
2015 saw English National Ballet’s most successful Nutcracker run on record, when over 73,000 people made a performance at the London Coliseum part of their holiday celebrations. This year’s tour of Wayne Eagling’s version continues the Company’s tradition of presenting a Nutcracker production every year since 1950, its founding year.
On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins.
In a world of Edwardian elegance, Nutcracker brings to life the popular Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers.
Based on a concept by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling, Nutcracker has choreography by Wayne Eagling and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, with design by Peter Farmerand lighting by David Richardson.
This year, Nutcracker sees debuts from Rina Kanehara in the role of Clara, Emilio Pavan in the role of Nephew, Aitor Arrieta in the role of Nephew and Nutcracker, and Guilherme Menezes in the role of Nutcracker.
Further Principal casting sees Alina Cojocaru, Tamara Rojo, Fernanda Oliveira, Begoña Cao, Laurretta Summerscales,Crystal Costa, and Katja Khaniukova in the role of Clara, and Isaac Hernández, Yonah Acosta, Alejandro Virelles, Cesar Corrales, James Forbat, Junor Souza, Fernando Bufalá and Ken Saruhashi in the role of Nephew.
To coincide with Nutcracker, English National Ballet will host a range of workshops and events, aimed to provide a gateway into the world of ballet. Activities held in Milton Keynes, Liverpool, and London include on-stage workshops for all ages, Live Drawing, Family Events, and Behind-the-scenes Talks. Family Friendly performances of Nutcracker are on Tuesday 3 and Saturday 7 January (matinee performances). For more details, visit www.ballet.org.uk
English National Ballet: Nutcracker
Tuesday 29th November to Saturday 3rd December
Tue – Sat evenings 7.30pm, Thu & Sat matinees 2.30pm.
Tickets from £12 (£13.90 online/phone)
Empire Theatre Box Office: 0844 871 3017, atgtickets.com/Liverpool
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