With Storm Brian whipping around outside the theatre, and the huge red stage curtain quite literally billowing in the wind (even inside the theatre) we are all thrilled to be transported to a world where toys come alive and the magical wintry glitter of Christmas Eve greets us, when The Russian State Ballet and Opera House begin their production of The Nutcracker.
One of Pyotr Ilytch Tchaikovsky’s most popular and most often played works, The Nutcracker is a tale of a young girl who receives a special present on Christmas Eve from her godfather, Drosselmeyer. He gives her a Nutcracker doll which, at the stroke of midnight, comes to life and turns into a prince, leading her into a world of dreams and fairytale adventures.
I am here with one adult, and one child, for whom this is the first time that they are seeing a ballet live, and as anyone new to the art form should do, we have done our homework. With no speaking or singing to help understand the story, we have read through the synopsis a couple of times so that, although the performers only offer up emphatic gestures and contorted facial expresssions to tell the story, we are fully aware of what is actually happening.
The only problem with this production is that it is only on for one day. With Swan Lake the previous day and Romeo and Juliet tomorrow, there is very little time to create and install an ellaborate set, so the scene we see is functional and minimalist, rather than sumptuous and grand.
The transformation scene works well and, despite the limitations of the Devonshire Park Theatre stage, the christmas tree grows dramatically before the Mouse King and his army appear to battle with the Nutcracker Prince and the toy soldiers.
After the battle the action moves to the Lands of Sweets where the girl and her Nutcracker Prince enjoy dance displays from various different countries, all of which are danced very well indeed, the audience enthusiastically expressing their appreciation after each one.
Once again, with no scenery to help, it is left to the dancers, the costumes and the music played by the huge 30 piece orchestra, to show that we are watching dances from countries including Spain, Arabia, China and Russia, all of which are meant to represent treats from the Sugar Plum Fairy’s kingdom.
The Sugar Plum Fairy completes the section with her own dance and, as the familiar music fills the auditorium, even the ballet newcomers greet it with a smile of recognition and, once again, very enthusiastic applause.
Waltz of the Flowers is another recognisable tune, if only from an advertisement for chocolate and, as the young girl’s dream ends, and the curtain falls, we return to the wet and windy streets of Eastbourne, with my two ballet newcomers both asking when we can make a return visit to the ballet.
*** Three Stars
