This review is part of an AD for Get The Chance, with press preview tickets gratefully gifted by Wales Millennium Centre.
‘The Nutcracker? In March? Really?’, is a phrase I have been faced with on several occasions when announcing I was off on my first trip to Wales Millennium Centre this week to take in the classically festive ballet on stage. But this isn’t ‘The Nutcracker’ as tradition knows it: this is Sir Matthew Bourne’s ‘Nutcracker!’, and anyone familiar with Bourne’s work will know convention and tradition, though honoured, are not to be expected. Whimsy, fantasy, and escapism however, now those are certain to be on the cards. And to my delight, I got them. By the bucket load.
Swapping the traditional opening scenes of upper-class mansion and present swapping, for a dark and dingy orphanage that wouldn’t be out of place in a Tim Burton gothic extravaganza, enhanced that much anticipated (and coveted) transition from tiresome real world to the Nutcracker’s magical realm of snow and sweets. It was almost impossible not to think of Dorothy’s step from black and white into wonderous Technicolor in ‘The Wizard of Oz‘, reinforcing the theme of 1930’s Hollywood that Bourne has so clearly been inspired by. Hollywood Golden Age continues to dominate the production’s aesthetic throughout, with Bourne’s ballet swiftly morphing into a ‘Busby Berkeley style’ musical crescendo – an aspect I truly adored, but then I’m not a purest when it comes to the ballet. Differences aside, Tchaikovsky’s timeless score serves as a reminder that the music binds the production together, how it is served to us visually should be encouraged to have some artistic interpretation.
Energy, finesse, and charm was clear from the get-go, but the strong sense of wit and humour is what sets ‘Nutcracker!’ apart – the audible giggles from a young member of the audience sat behind me was infectious, and delightful to see a new generation become accustomed to a classic in a new way. Physical comedy is an imperative part of the production without becoming a gimmick. Themes of love, lust, and heartbreak also pour to the forefront, expertly portrayed in the love triangle of Clara (Cordelia Braithwaite), Nutcracker (Harrison Dowzell), and Princess Sugar (Ashely Shaw). Set and costume design by the marvellous Anthony Ward breathes life where there is none, truly immersing the audience in the fantasy that we all come to expect when spending an evening in the Nutcracker’s world! A sweet treat for all the senses.
All in all, Sir Matthew Bourne and the cast of his New Adventures Dance Company bring to life a theatrical classic in a unique, eccentric, and fantastical new world that allows for two hours of sugary sweet escapism.
Miss it at your peril!
Matthew Bourne’s “Nutcracker!” is playing at Wales Millennium Centre until 26th March with tickets still available. The production will continue its tour to the following theatres:
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton: 29th March – 2nd April
Theatre Royal, Newcastle: 5th – 9th April
Theatre Royal and Concert Hall , Nottingham: 12th – 16th April
New Victoria Theatre, Woking: 19th – 23rd April
That Museum Girl 