The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a classic festive production choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, with set and costume design by Dick Bird, accompanied by the English National Ballet Philharmonic live orchestra. In this article, we will tell you about the plot, ticket prices, and provide other useful information.

What is The Nutcracker ballet about?

The Nutcracker ballet is a classic Christmas fairy tale in dance, set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The premiere took place in 1892. The main theme of the ballet is magic, childhood and Christmas.

The action begins with preparations for the holiday at the Stahlbaum family home. The main character, Clara, receives gifts from her mysterious relative Drosselmeyer. Among them is one special gift — a Nutcracker, a toy in the form of a small Scottish soldier.

At midnight, when Clara falls asleep, real magic begins — her Nutcracker comes to life. Suddenly, mice appear, led by the Mouse King. A battle ensues between them and the toys. The Nutcracker fights the Mouse King, Clara helps him, and the mice are defeated.

The Nutcracker turns into a Prince, who invites Clara on a magical journey. The gingerbread men and sweets that have come to life create a fairy-tale world. Clara and the Prince arrive in the Land of Sweets, where they are met by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her escort, the Sugar Plum Cavalier.

A grand celebration is held in honour of their arrival.

The audience watches dances from different countries (Spanish Dance, Arabian Dance, Chinese Dance, Russian Dance), cheerful and colourful numbers with fantastic characters. After her magical journey, Clara returns home, and the ballet ends with her awakening. In some versions, there is a hint that the adventure was a dream.

Children's imagination is intertwined with magic. The confrontation between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is another example of good triumphing over evil. Courage, friendship and determination defeat the dark forces. The beauty of the production is mesmerising, as the leading roles are performed by leading dancers and the sets can impress even the most sophisticated viewer.

In England, The Nutcracker ballet has been an annual Christmas tradition since the end of the 20th century. One of the most famous productions is the Royal Ballet's version at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Characters

A whole series of Nutcracker English National Ballet productions are expected in December and January. Different dancers may perform the same characters on different dates.

Upcoming events

Nutcracker ballet will be performed in several major venues across Great Britain.

How to get there?

There are several ways to get to Covent Garden in London.

By bus

The closest bus stops to the concert hall are Covent Garden / Bow Street. Bus routes 9, 13, 15, 23, and 521 run in this direction.

Buses run every 5–10 minutes, but traffic jams are possible in the evenings and on weekends. It is best to get off at Covent Garden, from where it is only a 5–7 minute walk to the Royal Opera House.

By car

Address: Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD. Nearby car parks:

1. NCP Covent Garden Car Park – 10–15 minutes' walk
2. Q-Park Covent Garden – underground car park, it is advisable to book a space in advance.

Use Google Maps or Waze to find the nearest car parks and check the current traffic situation.

By train

The closest train stations to the concert hall are:

1. London Charing Cross – 5 minutes on foot
2. London Waterloo – 15 minutes on foot
3. London Victoria – 20 minutes on foot or by bus

It is most convenient to arrive at Charing Cross, as no underground transfer is required.

By underground

You can also get to the concert hall by underground. Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) – about a 3-minute walk to the Royal Opera House. From Leicester Square (Northern & Piccadilly Line) – 5 minutes on foot, from Holborn (Central & Piccadilly Line) – 10 minutes on foot.

Information for visitors

Seeing Christmas ballet, with its truly impressive cast, is quite an event. Tickets must be booked in advance, and accommodation should be arranged at the same time.

Tickets

Standard tickets for the most affordable seats (stalls, upper tier, side sections) cost an average of £35-134. Premium seats can be purchased for £180-200. Seats in the orchestra area and in the centre of the balconies cost an average of £150.

Purchase tickets in advance, as there are always many people who want to see the famous ballet during the holidays.

Hotels nearby (London)

There are several good hotels within walking distance of the Royal Opera House:

1. NoMad London — a stylish five-star hotel in Covent Garden, just a few minutes' walk away.
2. One Aldwych — an elegant five-star hotel in the heart of the West End.
3. The Savoy — a legendary luxury hotel on the Strand, not far from Covent Garden.
4. Hotel AMANO Covent Garden is a popular, stylish hotel in the theatre district.
5. Wilde Aparthotels, London, Covent Garden is a highly rated hotel in an excellent location for theatregoers.
6. The Fielding Hotel is a cosy boutique hotel next to Covent Garden Square.
7. The Z Hotel Covent Garden is a good mid-range option within walking distance.
8. Premier Inn London Covent Garden hotel is a convenient and inexpensive hotel near the theatre district.
9. Travelodge London Covent Garden is a budget option near Covent Garden.
10. Strand Palace is a large hotel on the Strand, within easy walking distance.

Parking

Car parks near the Royal Opera House:

1. Urban Parking Shelton Street is a popular car park located a 2-3 minute walk from the Royal Opera House.
2. Q-Park Covent Garden is an underground car park in the city centre, a 5-7 minute walk from the Royal Opera House.
3. NCP London Covent Garden — NCP car park 5–8 minutes' walk away. Available for booking.

Reviews

Reviews of The Nutcracker confirm once again that this ballet is definitely worth seeing. The moral of this production is that good always triumphs over evil. The performance makes every viewer believe in miracles and new possibilities. The Nutcracker leaves room for magic in everyday life.

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Frequently asked questions