Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall
Nothing says Christmas more than a performance of The Nutcracker, and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Royal Albert Hall production does not disappoint.
UK
Sparkling: The Royal Ballet in Cinderella
Anna Rose O’Sullivan projected a gentle, modest, sweet Cinderella… her dance with the broom was wonderfully wistful and full of longing
Luca Silvestrini’s Protein in The Little Prince
Flows seamlessly. The four actor-dancers… who also helped devise the show, perform with skill and conviction. However, there is something missing
Swan Lake meets The Ugly Duckling in Circa’s Duck Pond
There are plenty of the usual handstands and tumbling… But what is really memorable is the ease with which the performers fly through the air.
English National Ballet’s new Nutcracker
This much needed new production looks a treat… Paul Pyant’s video design is very good… Dick Bird’s sets are glorious… Act Two is a riot of colour
Ballet Theatre UK: The Nutcracker
Creates a fantasy of world that delights and entertains from start to finish with its fine storytelling, choreography… and a lot of excellent dancing.
Of swans and men: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
Most magnificent of all, is Harrison Dowzell as The Swan… Quite unforgettable. Whether in bird form… or as The Stranger at the Act 3 ball
Ruination by Lost Dog
Beyond its generous offering of dance, sound and humour, Ruination feels much defined by its extremely lovable cast
Dickensian delights: Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol
The setting may be dreary, but the story is warm, the characters vividly brought to life. Carols, Christmas tunes, fine dance, and a good story.
Michael Keegan-Dolan/Teaċ Daṁsa: NOBODADDY
It’s all a very long way from Keegan-Dolan’s stunning and powerful Swan Lake… Abstract to the point of meaninglessness.
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker. A real Christmas treat
Undoubtedly the best production of the ballet in this country by some distance, it’s once again casting its spell over audiences