HOW good was that! This was, by far the best ballet I have ever seen at the Regent, and it was quite breathtaking.With three generations ranging from an eight year old to 'grandma', we all agreed that this performance was superlative.
HOW good was that!
This was, by far the best ballet I have ever seen at the Regent, and it was quite breathtaking.
With three generations ranging from an eight year old to 'grandma', we all agreed that this performance was superlative.
Performed by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia and the Russian State Ballet Orchestra, the Nutcracker is a classic fairytale set to some of Tchaikovsky's most well known music.
In a nutshell, the story is set in the 19th century at Christmas in the beautifully decorated house of the Stahlbaum family.
Entertaining the children is a family friend Drosselmeyer who pretends to be a magician, conjuring up toys such as Harlequin, Colombine, Moor and finally the Nutcracker.
Marie, the little daughter falls in love with the Nutcracker and it becomes her favourite toy. Drosselmeyer magically turns the Nutcracker into a handsome prince but when they dance together, an army of mice try to separate Marie and the Prince.
The Nutcracker Prince beats the Mouse King and everyone goes to Fairyland to celebrate.
Marie wakes in an armchair in the drawing room, and picks up the Nutcracker, which has returned to being a doll.
For me, the dancing was at such a high standard, it would be difficult to choose favourites, however Anna Snegina dancing as Marie and Vyacheslav Kapustin as her Prince were truly wonderful.
The Regent hasn't got the largest stage in the world and doesn't lend itself to ballets, but the choreography was so brilliant that every part of the stage was filled.
Christina Fyodorova designed the magnificent costumes and sets, and this review wouldn't be complete without a mention for the superb orchestra conducted by Anatoly Tchepurni.
This was a magical evening and if the Russian State Ballet of Siberia makes a return visit, I would recommend early booking.
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