The Royal Ballet doesn’t bring its Nutcracker down from the loft every year, but no other production begins the festive season quite like it.

Sir Peter Wright's enduring and much-loved 1984 production for Christmas 2023 is now open and it still feels as delightfully fresh as ever. 

On opening night we joined Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Set to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets, the latter delivering a mesmerizing climax with dressage levels of classical technique. Their precision and sprightliness set a high standard, making the festive magic irresistible. There is fine work from the rest of the company with both Snowflakes and Flowers in sparkling form. Special mention must go to the Arabian dancers who performed an intensely sinuous and hypnotic dance together, with limbs melting into each movement. The Royal Ballet's production, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing.

The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House will genuinely touch your heart in a way other productions can only dream of at this time of year. 

Premier Events is pleased to offer a limited number of Premier located tickets for every performance in the run up to Christmas and all the way through to closing night on 13th January 2024.