For many, the festive season is officially heralded by the opening bars of Tchaikovsky's iconic score for The Nutcracker. Traditionally a grand spectacle for major companies, the New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) has taken a different, more intimate approach with its boutique production at London's Sainsbury theatre.
A Compact Cast with Inventive Choreography
Faced with the challenge of staging the classic ballet with just twelve dancers, director Karen Pilkington-Miksa turned to Royal Ballet first soloist Valentino Zucchetti. His inventive choreography is the engine of this production, reimagining the festive tale for a small, agile ensemble. The setting is updated to a contemporary Christmas party at Clara's luxurious home, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows depicted in the backdrop.
Zucchetti introduces a clever central conceit: the mysterious Drosselmeyer is reimagined as a hypnotist. He uses a swinging pocket watch to mesmerise party guests into dancing and to send Clara into a dream world. Here, the traditional battle is between soldiers and pirates rather than mice, leading to the enchanting land of snow. While the concept is strong, the execution at times could benefit from greater energy and less politeness to truly make the fantasy pop.
Finesse and Spirit from a Talented Ensemble
The production's standout performance comes from guest artist Liudmila Konovalova, a longtime principal with the Vienna State Ballet. Dancing the role of Clara, her experience is palpable. She performs with consistent finesse and technical assurance, never dropping a stitch, particularly in her sweeping pas de deux with the Nutcracker, danced by Luca De-Poli.
The young, hard-working company dancers provide spirited support. Marcos Silva brings notable vigour and technical spirit to his roles, while Audrey Nelson shines as a bright and sparkling Flower Queen. The choreographer cleverly manages the limited numbers, arranging his ten snowflakes into fluid, ever-changing formations that create a sense of larger scale.
An Intimate Alternative to Grand Spectacle
This is not the Royal Opera House, and the production makes no pretence of being so. In the intimate setting of the Sainsbury theatre, part of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), the magic is of a different kind. The suspension of disbelief comes from witnessing real, skilled dancers performing closely in front of you, accompanied by a recorded version of Tchaikovsky's magnificent score.
Audiences must take this Nutcracker for what it is: a charming, well-danced production from a boutique company that prioritises new choreography and fresh talent over opulent sets and a vast corps de ballet. While the first act could use a shot of vitality, the company's commitment and skill are evident. By the time the dancers launch into multiple pirouettes, the Christmas spirit is undeniably conjured. The New English Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker runs at the Sainsbury theatre, LAMDA, until 20 December.
