Birmingham Royal Ballet is today excited to announce that for one year only the Company will be bringing an exclusive adaptation of Sir David Bintley’s Royal Albert Hall production of The Nutcracker to Birmingham Hippodrome audiences this November, marking the first time this version has been performed outside London.
After 30 years Sir Peter Wright’s legendary production is currently undergoing a major renovation, thanks in large part to an astonishing level of support from Birmingham Royal Ballet audiences and Big Give Champion funding from the Reed Foundation Arts and Culture and the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the annual Christmas Big Give Appeal.
Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker will return to Birmingham Hippodrome’s stage in November 2022 with sets, costumes and staging completely refurbished under the direction of its original designer, John Macfarlane.
In a very special adaptation for Birmingham Hippodrome, Sir David Bintley's breathtaking production places Tchaikovsky's glorious score centre stage, bringing the Royal Ballet Sinfonia out from the pit and onto a platform raised above the stage. As the show opens on a wintry soundscape, the Dickensian tones of Simon Callow as Drosselmeyer echo across the auditorium as he introduces the story.
Scenery designer Dick Bird's wall of mirrors reflects spectacular scenic elements that bring the 19th century to vivid life, such as Drosselmeyer's toyshop, the Stahlbaums beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and the scary midnight world in which King Rat battles the Nutcracker doll and his band of toy soldiers – all enhanced by beautiful projections, conjured up by the award-winning 59 Productions.
Audiences can again enjoy the Company's world-class dancers, and join familiar faces such as Clara, The Prince and Sugar Plum Fairy as they tell this most nostalgic of stories and bring the magic of Christmas to Birmingham Hippodrome once again.
Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet Carlos Acosta said: “I'm delighted to bring this monumental production of The Nutcracker to Birmingham Hippodrome this year - I know our Birmingham audiences will love this spectacular show.”
Artistic Director and CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome Fiona Allan said: “The Nutcracker is such a special tradition at the Hippodrome and we are delighted our audiences have the rare opportunity to enjoy the special Royal Albert Hall production on Birmingham Royal Ballet’s home stage this November.” Existing ticket holders have been contacted and general tickets are now on sale