National English Ballet Presents Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker - Liverpool Empire Theatre

The Liverpool Empire played host to the English National Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. It is hailed as a Christmas ballet for all the family. Hundreds braved the hail and wind, so apt for a wintry performance to witness two hours and five minutes of pure brilliance.

Bravo to artist director Tamara Rojo; who promises to take the audience on an exciting journey. Her objective to bring the ballet to everyone has truly been met. The accessibility of performances such as Nutcracker certainly draws in a diverse crowd who appreciate the generous offerings.

This was a classic tale which was magical, captivating and delightful from the outset. The marvellous opening scenes of the young heroine Clara enjoying Christmas Eve with brother Freddie and their family whet the appetite for what was to ensue; scenes richly abundant in beauty and quality.

The scenery was outstanding and as skaters traversed the frozen Thames, it was obvious that no expense had been spared in the props department. Peter Farmer (designer )and David Richardson (lighting) excelled themselves. As the snowflakes fell, the audience were wowed by the convincing imagery before them. Act 1 was complete and the crowd eagerly awaited the next.

Young Clara played by Micaela Infante and Matthew Cotton who played her brother Freddie were superb as were the hoards of other young dancers who performed alongside them. The orchestra was incredible and the array of instruments was a perfect marriage. Not only was the tension built but also the perfect atmosphere was created whether it be romantic, dramatic, humorous or filled with suspense. From time to time, Gavin Sunderland could be seen to waving his conductors baton exuberantly. He conducted the orchestra as if his life depended on it!

Clara received a beautiful gift of a Nutcracker doll from an old family friend Dr Drosselmeyer. She later has a nightmare whereby the Nutcracker is attacked by the evil mouse king. The stage becomes swamped by mice and rats until eventually Clara is left alone with the Nutcracker who has transformed into a handsome soldier. The subsequent battle between the two parties - the mouse king and the nutcracker were mesmerising.

The beauty of the land of snow scene was breathtaking, silvery shadows, a beautiful White Christmas tree and outfits beautifully and generously encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Goosebumps were the by-product of the majority of the breathtaking scenes. I certainly had plenty on my skin by the end of the performance.

The connection between the adult Clara (Daria Kilmentová) and Nutcracker (Junor Souuza) was exquisite . He lifted her like a feather and her gracefulness was awe inspiring.

There are not enough superlatives to describe this production of Nutcracker. The technical ability of all of the dancers was phenomenal, strong arm lines, perfect pirouettes and the highlight a stunning pas de deux by Clara as she performed as the sugar plum fairy were spine tingling. Wayne Eagling (choreographer) did a sterling job. The performances were flawless.

I smiled throughout this performance and felt privileged to witness such brilliance in action. I am sure that my jaws ached comparably to the dancers calf muscles. It was a feast for the eyes and ears and the two hours flew by - the sign of a great show.

If you want to spend two hours of your life in a happy place, this is a must see. A feel good factor times ten. A mixture of power, delicacy, grace and elegance. Well done to the English National Ballet and the Liverpool Empire for showcasing such a great show. It was incredible and worthy of a rating of five Swarovski coated gold stars.