Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker
A New Adventures production
Scenario by Matthew Bourne, Martin Duncan & Anthony Ward
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
At Sadlers Wells 14 Dec – 30 Jan 2022
“Great fun reimagining of the classic ballet”
While the original music by Tchaikovsky was written in 1892 Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of the ballet first saw the light of day in 1992 in a double bill with Yolande for the Opera North Centennial .
Bourne changed the story from one of fairies and mice to children and sweets. Much more relatable!
The first half is set in an orphanage overseen by a sadistic manager and his cohorts. The children, while playful are mischievous. The day that the orphanage Governors are due the rooms are draped with Christmas decorations but the minute the inspection is over they are torn down and misery is again imposed. One of the orphans, Clara, was given a toy soldier which she immediately falls in love with. Unfortunately the manager takes the soldier doll and locks him in the cupboard along with all the other toys. Unable to sleep Clara sees the manager’s son stealing in and opening the cupboard only to find the toy soldier is now a full sized real boy. This precipitates a seismic shift in the orphanage and suddenly the walls split and a huge Christmas tree rises up. When the management rush in to see what the noise is the children fall upon them and take them prisoner. Clara’s ‘toy’ soldier takes her to the Frozen Lake to show her what a good time is.
The second half takes place in Sweetieland where Clara meets all sorts of sweets and inveigles herself into the inner sanctum. After meeting and watching the array of sweet inspired residents of the kingdom Clara finds herself finally back at the orphanage. But this time her soldier is by her side and together they climb out of the window and escape.
The technology used in this production is astounding and literally takes your breath away at times, especially the shattering of the orphanage walls. Of course the stand out aspect of the production is the costuming which gives full reign to the designers imagination. The story is full of amusing cameos and several laugh out loud moments. This is a hugely enjoyable production suitable for all ages.
This was my first visit to Sadlers Wells and I had a great uninterrupted view from the back of the upper circle.
Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker is on til 30th January 2022
Sadlers Wells: www.sadlerswells.com
http://ptheatre.blogspot.co.uk/
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