New English Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
Audrey Nelson is a lovey Clara, capturing that well that moment in life when one is starting to edge into adulthood but still young enough to be childlike
Audrey Nelson is a lovey Clara, capturing that well that moment in life when one is starting to edge into adulthood but still young enough to be childlike
There is a good amount of dancing, which is pretty, well-executed and, very importantly, appeals to its audience.
It does look absolutely terrific. It brims with colour and life at every turn. There’s a light touch to the story and dance… Easy on the eye couple of hours.
Yes, the story is ridiculous… But you still leave the theatre humming those tunes and wanting to see it all over again. Top Hat. Top show.
“…Resists easy categorisation. Neither performance nor talk, it functions as a self-portrait in transition, part experiment, part public reckoning.”
Curiosity and awe arise while observing this being who appears to be suffering in its own stillness, struggling to get out from an invisible restriction
In Mats Ek’s ballet, Nancy Osbaldeston… was a zesty Carmen. She insists on her freedom, seeing herself as equal with the men
There is a lot of dancing but it does feel like one big number after another at times. And the choreography within them is very busy
A rather enjoyable, neatly choreographed, well-danced show… An animated party scene that brims with life, helped by a great deal of dancing
A wonderful two-and-a-half-hours; a masterpiece of character and storytelling… Great music, great dance… a lot of heart… A show you will not forget.
The ambitions of the creative team are unmistakable, and the sparks within these fragments may yet find a more cohesive form.