This Christmas, Birmingham Royal Ballet will present two beloved productions of The Nutcracker in both Birmingham and London.
Sir Peter Wright’s classic production of The Nutcracker, created especially for Birmingham Royal Ballet and often referred to as the finest in the world, returns to Birmingham Hippodrome from Friday 21 November running through to Saturday 13 December, marking 35 years since its world premiere at the theatre in 1990.
The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall will then play from Monday 29 – Wednesday 30 December in a production created especially for the splendour of its magnificent setting.
Paul James, Birmingham Royal Ballet Chief Executive said: “We are very proud to be celebrating this iconic production’s 35th anniversary in Birmingham. Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker has been performed over 600 times here in Birmingham and enjoyed by well over one million people across the Midlands and the UK, many of whom saw it as children and now bring their own families – a testament to its continuing popularity in Birmingham.
“Talking of enduring popularity, this year we return to the magnificent Royal Albert Hall once again with our specially created version of this classic festive tale featuring an on-stage orchestra and stunning projections that envelop the world-famous hall.”
BRB’s inaugural Director, Sir Peter Wright celebrates his 99th birthday during this year’s Birmingham run. Sir Peter gave the production to the people of Birmingham as a thank you for welcoming the company (formerly known as Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet) to the city, when it moved from London.
Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker is an enchanting wonderland of dancing snowflakes, a flying goose, magical Christmas trees and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy. The production features 126 individual roles across 50 dances; a 10-kilo King Rat costume; just under one tonne of dry ice per run; the full company of 60 dancers in over 150 costumes; and a Christmas tree transformation scene that requires roughly 47 staff to complete.
Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker, which underwent a significant £1 million makeover in 2022, giving the classic ballet new life with updated sets and costumes by John Macfarlane, is performed by BRB’s company of world-class dancers accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s famous score performed by the acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
For full principal casting in Birmingham and London and tickets visit brb.org.uk
