The young Clara creeps downstairs on Christmas Eve to play with her favourite present – a Nutcracker. But the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer is waiting to sweep her off on a magical adventure. After defeating the Mouse King, the Nutcracker and Clara travel through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy treats them to a wonderful display of dances. Back home, Clara thinks she must have been dreaming – but doesn’t she recognize Drosselmeyer’s nephew?
Production
Peter Wright's 1984 staging—still the gold standard.
Acting
Francesca Hayward's Clara: technically flawless, emotionally luminous.
Cinematography
Camera work finally does ballet justice—no bad seats.
Lauren Cuthbertson
The Sugar Plum Fairy
Federico Bonelli
The Prince
Francesca Hayward
Clara
Alexander Campbell
Hans-Peter/The Nutcracker
Gary Avis
Herr Drosselmeyer
Luca Acri
Drosselmeyer’s Assistant
Christopher Saunders
Dr Stahlbaum
Elizabeth McGorian
Mrs Stahlbaum
Benjamin Ella
Clara’s Partner
Kristen McNally
Grandmother
Alastair Marriott
Grandfather
Christina Arestis
Dancing Mistress
Johannes Stepanek
Captain
Leticia Stock
Columbine
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This 2016 ROH recording was the first Nutcracker cinema broadcast to use 4K cameras, capturing sweat on templets and tulle texture.
Tchaikovsky's score was initially considered 'too symphonic' for ballet—now it's inescapable every December. The man's ghost is rolling in royalties.
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