The Nutcracker - English National Ballet
The English National Ballet has performed this magical tale every year at Xmas since 1950. This year it's due to be just as special as ever. The word on the streets says we're due for a sell-out as audiences flock to the West End post-lockdown. So what's the story? Nutcracker whisks us to a magical Christmas Eve in Edwardian London in 1800s. There's a party going on and Clara is given a fantastic hand-made nutcracker doll by her beloved godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. The doll is amazing and she falls instantly in love with it. But her little brother Freddy is envious and manages to break it.
That night Clara wakes up to find herself under an enormous Christmas tree, surrounded by human-sized mice going into battle with a load of tin soldiers, led by her Nutcracker doll. And so the magical adventure begins. The show stars more than 100 musicians and dancers, the stunning score is by the classical composer Tchaikovsky, and the choreography comes from Wayne Eagling. The ballet is based on an idea by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling, the design is by Peter Farmer and the lighting comes from David Richardson. Are you ready for a beautiful Christmas tradition that delights the whole family?
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 109 reviews
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Disappointing New sets and costumes all look fresh , but .. the calibre of dancing was no more than average . They’ve done away with the Kosack and Chinese dances which were missed . The Allsorts were children . Audiences are paying to see professionals .. it’s not a panto ! The Sugar plum fairy and her partner were competent but average , and the male dancers part was not the strong athletic showstopper that’s been the norm in the past .
sarah, 14 Jan 2025
Needed a minimum age limit like Acostas Nutcracker. The show was brilliant but our seats were awful. Children behind us talking through Tchaikovsky ruined it for us plus tall people directly in-front was not good for my teenage daughters. The theatre is shabby, the refreshments were limited, I will avoid shows at this venue unless I get a box or front of circle seats, perhaps…
Brett, 07 Jan 2025
Christmas Treat Second act in particular a joy
Paul, 04 Jan 2025
A joy Stage/scenery excellent Orchestra superb dancing sublime
Christopher, 03 Jan 2025
Lovely My first nut cracker and I loved it , it warmed my heart !!
Jake, 03 Jan 2025
Nutcracker 💕 Booked my ticket online easily. Arrived at theatre
With plenty of time. Enjoyed a delicious pre show cocktail
My seat was in upper circle and a great seat. The show was stunning. Magnificent ballet company. Enjoyed every minute.
Christine, 28 Dec 2024
Magical The show was magical. The music was superb. The costumes were incredible in their idea of making all look like candies and bringing this idea so beautifully. And last but not least, the dancers.
I was sitting there with a big smile on my face and a heart full of joy
sigal, 21 Dec 2024
Something to come out of the rain First time in many years the ENO's production of The Nutcracker disappointed me.
Stage, costume and production was a little disappointing however the performers had an excellent dancing skills. Overall enjoyable and the Theatre staffs all were very professional and friendly. The music Conductor and orchestra interpretation and execution of the composer's most popular compositions was delivered beautifully.
Jayna, 16 Dec 2024
What a gift! I got my parents tickets to see this show as a Christmas gift and I could see the joy in their faces at every stage of the show. The music, the performance, the coliseum itself. Everything was just stunning ?. Thank you so so much. I had a fantastic time
Maria, 27 Dec 2023
Must see wonderful. It had taken us 4 years to see. Because of covid and other illness. But well worth the wait. It was amazing.
Lorraine, 20 Dec 2023
A wonderful story A lovely classic. Great dancing and music and easy to follow storyline. Only disappointment was the set.would have liked more of the magic!
Alison, 07 Jan 2023
Kept a 6 year old immersed from start to finish! The venue was very nice, the show engaging and we had a lovely time.
Joy, 02 Jan 2023
A Christmas must-see The Nutcracker was an utterly magical experience and a wonderful prelude to Christmas. Everything about it was incredible, from the music and dancing to the venue. Thank you so much!
Caroline, 01 Jan 2023
Amazing experience Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience
Diana, 31 Dec 2022
Hugely enjoyed The whole family had an amazing time. All enjoyed hugely. Simply brilliant
Natalija, 27 Dec 2022
It got this cynic into the Christmas Spirit! We went to the matinee show and I think it was ideal as lots of children were in the audiance - it was beautiful to catch the look of wonder on their faces. The standard of both music and dance is truly inspiring and I felt it ws the best theatre and ballet that I had seen for years.
Anne-Marie, 24 Dec 2022
untidy I saw the same show 4 years ago. This year was mediocre at best. the lack of synchronisation of the dancers was evident and several mistakes were made.
Cuauhtemoc, 22 Dec 2022
Seasonal Wonderful music and staging.
Bernadette, 20 Dec 2022
Gorgeous, Christmassy Production! Saw this lovely Production last year with some girlfriends and was determined to bring my family to see it this year. We all really loved it. Beautiful dancers, music, costumes, everything. An absolutely delightful treat. My two Grandsons
Aged 12 and 15 loved their first experience of ballet. Thank you for a truly special event.
Cheryl, 17 Dec 2022
Happy Anniversary The show was a very happy celebration of our 59th wedding anniversary.
william, 30 Dec 2021
The Nutcracker is a "must" every Christmas! We all loved the production, except that in Act II - The Kingdom of Sweets - Clara should be sitting watching the dances, they are for her entertainment in the original story, and are part of her magic dream conjured by Herr Drosselmeyer. With Clara offstage throughout these dances they have no connection with the story!!
Diana, 23 Dec 2021
