As a festive treat, my brother and I took our partners to see Matthew Bourne’s 30th anniversary production of Nutcracker at Sadler’s Wells, London. We wanted them to see this particular show as it is special to Matthew and I, as we studied it in our A level Dance studies. My memory of the show did not disappoint and it was fabulous to share the inventive storytelling and joy-infused choreography with George and Alex.
This adaptation of the Nutcracker opens in a dismally-grey, crooked Orphanage dormitory. To me it reminds me of the wretched conditions imagined in Lemony Snicket’s books “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” The orphans quickly make the best of their situation by using their imagination and hanging simple Christmas decorations of paper chains and adoring a very unhappy-looking Christmas tree. They are visited by two smartly dressed adult couples, whom the children are presented to. Each child is given an individual gift. Clara, the protagonist of the story, is presented with a Nutcracker. She is enchanted by the doll and in her dreams imagines that he takes the form of an orphan boy, who she has a crush on. Together they escape the orphanage and visit the Frozen Lake and later Sweetie Land. The characters in this magical place, have personality similarities to the other children from the orphanage creating opportunities for you as audience member to connect with earlier motifs (specific dance moves that are repeated to suggest a particular person) It is comforting to spot these motifs as an audience member as they are like a recognisable habit of a loved one.
Once we reach Sweetie Land, Bourne introduces new characters who look and move like popular sweet treats. These choices are informed by the sound world of each dance movement. For example the Chinese Dance has a light and detached melody which is reflected as a cohort of Marshmallow ladies. They are adorned with sugary pink bouncing-feather Russian Hats. It’s quite the scene and makes me think of chattering women trying to find a location without a map.
If you would like to watch a ballet but worry about how accessible it is to understand the story without words or whether it will last too long. I really recommend watching one of Bourne’s interpretations. He pays close attention to details of storytelling and utilises the power of costume, scenery and props to keep your inner child entertained and mesmerised. The movements have strong gestural foundations and are easier to interpret and often encourage the odd chuckle.
The cast were fantastic and the dancing was wonderful. They did a wonderful job and I would encourage you to watch a snippet.
Sounds as though this was a Divine time! <3 What terrific memories you created.
I take a lot of inspiration from opportunities like this. It made me want to put on my dancing shoes again and I took up my ballet practice again and joined a local group for a lesson.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I love The Nutcracker! The music from it was on one of the records in my my mother’s collection. My favorite was the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
It is fabulous, I used to do a little ballet routine to The Sugar Plum Fairy.
Best wishes
Charlotte
If you have a video of that ballet routine, I would love to see that!
I had a very old fashioned ballet mistress who rarely let us video but I must ask my Dad if he has one recording.
A wonderful experience, Charlotte. Thanks for sharing it with us.
The photos were so bright and cheerful in a very wintery January in the UK. We are predicted snow soon although I don’t know if it will get to London.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, très, très intéressant, merci Charlotte !!!
Right now, I’m working on projection visuals to accompany a German version of Cinderella that mixes Read Texts and solo piano. When it comes out, I’ll show you the pictures. You will say your opinion. Best thoughts for you!!!
That sounds wonderful, Pascal, I’d love to see it. Cinderella is one of my favourite stories.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Looks fabulous actually.
It was great value for money the tickets started at £15, Bourne’s Nutcracker is going up to Glasgow for one week at the end of February at The Kings Theatre.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That is very reasonable.
Oh Charlotte, that took me back to my childhood – aged seven being taken to see Aurora, the Sleeping Beauty at Covent Garden.In my twenties I went to a lot of ballet and modern dance in London. Later we used to take our children to see the touring ROH ballets in a tent in Cambridge (the young soloist then, Kevin O’Hare, now directs the company). You have made me realise how much I miss it! Thank you for this happy memory outing.
My Mum took me to Winsford Civic Hall to watch a Russian ballet company perform the nutcracker around the same age for my birthday, it was fantastic when the civic hall was there because this Russian ballet company put a production on every November in time for my birthday which was great for a small town. Touring certainly helps to make the arts more accessible. Thank you for reading.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Charlotte ,amazing blog, fabulous colours.It looks likes a brilliant show,and you all enjoyed it.
More lovely experience’s for you all to share.👏👏👏❤️❤️😘
These experiences inspire us all, the music, movement and spectacle. It certainly helps me to stay focused on practice and I joined a local ballet class.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Love that version of The Nutcracker! It is so unique..
My brother was a big fan of Matthew Bourne for years, we’ve seen several of his shows. I think my brother would have loved to have been a choreographer.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A real treat – as was seeing and hearing you and George on Resa’s Festive Art Gowns
Thank you Derrick; Resa is very kind sharing our music.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Looks like a fabulous show, and you all look as though your enjoying every moment. 🥰😘
It was brilliant Gill.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A beautiful production! We took our children to see this when they were in elementary school and they were fascinated.
I used to see a Russian touring company in our local civic hall when I was a little girl, I loved it. Sadly that large civic hall got knocked down so I’m not sure if the ballet comes to the town anymore.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Looks fantastic. Nutcracker is a treat in itself. That production “doth” look really nice and creative.
It really cheered us up.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That looks enchanting!
The trailer is sweet and alluring.
It’s wonderful that you can go out to such venues. We are still locked down.
They are hoping to ease restrictions in a week. It depends on the numbers going down.
Thank you for this wonderful introduction to Matthew Bourne!
❦
I’m happy we’re able to go, all four of us are triple jabbed and mask-wearing is encouraged in theatres and on the tube etc. I hope your cases have lowered enough to ease restrictions; it is a torrid time for arts venues.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I hope you are free again now Resa. We’ve had a big increase in mild cases in the UK for a month but a lot less hospitalisation and it seems the vaccines are doing their job.
Not yet, but loosening up. The extremely cold winter doesn’t help. However, we are besieged with protests. Covid has messed up more than people’s health!
I am thrilled to be vaccinated!
I should be able to get around in later March to other parts of the city to take pics of street art.
I see you are keeping well! xo
Feeling better now, I hope our mild weather continues. Are you getting people being more isolated and not wanting to mix again?
Yes and no. The virus has made people nuts in many ways. Then the weather on top. 1 more month and spring will be here. I’m hoping for a good one!
Moments like this are what brings great memories and great inspiration ~ also an incredible series of photographs 🙂