Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker has arrived at Newcastle Theatre Royal and will run until 8 February…

It’s a surprisingly calm Thursday evening in the never-sleeping city of Newcastle as I head to Theatre Royal to review Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

It might come as a surprise (or it might not, what do I know!) but I’m a big fan of ballet. I think there’s just something so serene about it. It’s a lovely escape from the daily routine and the stress that comes from being an adult.

So, with a friend by my side, I’m eager to see what Scottish Ballet has in store for us this year.

A Classic Story with a Magical Twist

If you’ve ever seen The Nutcracker, you’ll know the gist – Clara, a young girl, gets a beautiful Nutcracker doll for Christmas from the mysterious Drosselmeyer. That night, the magic unfolds. The nutcracker comes to life, battles the mischievous Mouse King and then transforms into a prince who takes Clara on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting Land of Sweets.

There, she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and gets to see a stunning showcase of dances from around the world. Just as the dream reaches its peak, Clara wakes up leaving us wondering if it was ever a dream at all.

The Nutcracker Review: A Feast for the Senses

First things first – the costumes were absolutely stunning. The delicate shimmer of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu and the rich tones of the international dancers’ outfits – every detail was exquisite. You could tell how much thought went into every stitch and it made the whole performance feel even more magical.

When it comes to the set design, I must mention the incredible transition (and there were a few of those!) from the warm, festive glow of Clara’s family home to the snow-dusted dreamland and, finally, the whimsical Land of Sweets. Each backdrop added so much depth to the story, making it impossible not to get lost in it.

But what really stole the show for me (besides the incredible performers, of course) was the live orchestra. There’s just something about hearing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live. It never disappoints and it never fails to make me emotional. The Waltz of the Snowflakes was hauntingly beautiful and the delicate twinkling of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy was like a spell being cast over the audience. A quick glimpse at my friend nearby, and I could tell I was not the only one in awe of the sounds of the show.

A Dream You Don’t Want to Wake Up From

Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker is, quite simply, magical. I think it was a much-needed moment of serenity for myself and my friend. We left the show both agreeing that we’d come to see it time and time again and if that’s not a good enough reason to see The Nutcracker while it’s still here, I don’t know what is.

Running at Newcastle Theatre Royal until 8 February, this is one dream you won’t want to wake up from.