A wildly inventive and heart-warming new take on a beloved Christmas classic is currently enchanting audiences in London's West End. Little Bulb Theatre's Olivier-nominated production of 'The Nutcracker' offers a cheeky, playful, and thoroughly modern reimagining for families, running at St Martin's Theatre until 4 January.
A Modern, Mouse-Infested Wimbledon
Gone are the traditional Victorian trappings. This ingenious version, first staged at Polka Theatre last year, relocates the action to present-day Wimbledon. The story centres on a family grieving their first Christmas without their mother, having moved into a decidedly unloved new house. Siblings Clara (Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens) and Fritz (Dominic Conway) must share a bedroom in a home plagued by clogged sewers and, ominously, mouse droppings.
The script, devised by Clare Beresford, Dominic Conway, and Alexander Scott with the company, is packed with physical comedy, silly festive songs, and a stream of cheesy puns that delight both children and the adults accompanying them. The cast expertly navigates the story's emotional moments, ensuring the young audience feels secure and engaged throughout the playful chaos.
Sword Fights, Crooning Mice and Shadow Puppets
While the magical nutcracker toy and a journey to mysterious worlds remain, this is 'The Nutcracker' as seen through the eyes of a child. Expect a pants-wearing Mouse King, a squadron of crooning rodents, and even a Yoda-inspired elder mouse. The central quest to defeat the dastardly Mouse King is utterly inspired, featuring sword fights, magical shields, and the perilous 'Pipes of Peril'.
Among the many lo-fi delights in Sam Wilde's evocative set is a beautiful shadow puppet show that tells the tale of the 'Cheesy Five' mice. The production is a masterclass in imaginative storytelling, using simple, effective ideas to represent fantastical landscapes, like a Desert of Dust portrayed by a sulky figure in a dusty cloak.
A Gleeful Festive Treat for All Ages
This is not a straight-laced ballet but a joyful, interactive, and warm-hearted celebration of make-believe. The show's strength lies in its ability to make everyone feel like a child again, caught up in a game of festive imagination with their siblings. It balances genuine heart with unbridled silliness, creating a uniquely British and thoroughly contemporary Christmas experience.
Little Bulb's 'The Nutcracker' is a triumphant, family-friendly spectacle that proves classic stories can be reinvented with wit, warmth, and a healthy dose of cheese. It captures the playful spirit of the season and is set to become a beloved festive outing for Londoners and visitors alike.
