I have come back to the Coliseum for the second year running to watch The Nutcracker by the English National Ballet and the magical atmosphere felt even more special this time. This show is possibly the most magical family experience in London this Christmas. Damian Lewis and his children was sitting behind us and that made me even more excited.
The theatre decorations and the joyful choreography as well as the dancers’ outfits are absolutely delightful. The Nutcracker is a great show to watch over the festive period. While enjoying the show, I thought of how meaningful the Nutcracker has been throughout my life. It was my 5th time seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker: the first was in 1990 in Moscow at the Bolshoi, the 2nd was at the Royal Albert Hall, the 3rd one was in Germany, the 4th and 5th times at the Coliseum. I found the Coliseum’s Nutcracker by the English National Ballet very emotional and certainly an unforgettable Christmas treat.
Over 100 dancers and musicians managed to bring this performance to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s score played live. The live orchestra always makes the difference.
The story
On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara receives an enchanted Nutcracker as a present. Together, they 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 a puppet theatre comes to life with dancers from around the world.
