We arrived at the theatre excited (and slightly out of breath – thanks Trainline for cancelling our train!). But thank goodness we did run because this is not a show you want to miss.
Watching the opening night of the Northern Ballet’s Nutcracker told us all we needed to know about why people return year after year to see this ballet.
The magical feeling created by the dancers, orchestra, costumes and staging is addictive, and the perfect way to get into the festive mood.
We shared in Clara’s amazement at the unfolding scenes and were caught up in the story immediately.
The storytelling was amazing throughout. Clara (Rachael Gillespie) was particularly animated, never without a beaming smile and look of childlike wonder on her face.
The scenery in the enchanted forest was particularly beautiful, as was the delicacy of floral headpieces worn. Every element, including the set and costumes, was meticulously designed, mirroring the precision of the dancing. The snow and glitter that fell just added to the whole performance.
More than 9 ladies were dancing (quite beautifully I might add) and the male dancers’ jumps would put the 10 lords-a-leaping to shame.
The live music brought the dancing alive. Escalating vibrations filled each movement with vigour, intensifying the performance, making the lifts feel even higher; and the occasional moments of silence even more potent.
One of the most dramatic moments is, of course, the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The music reached the perfect crescendo right when the dancers were at their highest point in the leap.
The director of the ballet balanced the tension of this moment with humour – we particularly loved the tiny mice (danced by the Northern Ballet Associate children) and the Mouse King’s Fortnite dancing!
The “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” was every bit as amazing as we would have expected and both ballerinas were captivating to watch. Whilst the Sugar Plum Fairy seemed to slip in the final lift, the moment was covered up seamlessly.
It was easy to lose yourself in the performance. There was a sense of hesitation before the applause, as if everyone was in a state of enchantment, before waking up from the illusion.
This production received one of the longest rounds of applause that we’ve ever seen, and it couldn’t have gone to a more well-deserving performance.