The Royal Ballet is appearing in Peebles this Christmas, as Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is relayed live from London’s Covent Garden into the royal burgh’s Eastgate Theatre on Thursday, December 13.
“In Peter Wright’s classic production, the stage sparkles with theatrical magic,” writes the Eastgate’s Liz Taylor.
“It’s Christmas Eve, and Herr Drosselmeyer gives young Clara a nutcracker doll, beginning a wondrous night that includes a magically growing Christmas tree, and a midnight battle of toy soldiers who defeat the villainous Mouse King and his army of mice.
“In the second act, Clara and Hans Peter visit the Kingdom of the Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome prince entertain them with a series of dazzling dances.
Performed by the Royal Ballet and broadcast live from Covent Garden, Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet never fails to delight audiences of all ages.
“Tchaikovsky’s score contains some of the best-known melodies in ballet, from the flurrying sounds of the Waltz of the Snowflakes to the dream-like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the vigorous Russian Dance.
Julia Trevelyan Oman’s designs draw upon 19th-century images of Christmas, making this a classic production for the festive season.”
Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score was commissioned by the director of the Russian Imperial Theatres, following the resounding success of Sleeping Beauty in 1890.
Marius Petipa created the scenario – based on a fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffman – and Lev Ivanov provided the choreography.
The Nutcracker was first performed in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg.
It initially had a poor reception, but its combination of enchanting choreography and an unforgettable score have since made it one of the best-loved of all ballets.
The performance starts at 7.15pm, and tickets cost £17.
Contact 01721 725777 or visit www.eastgatearts.com.