Celebrate Christmas in Style at BRB

OUT OF HOURS

CELEBRATE IN STYLE THIS CHRISTMAS TIME WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS AT BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET

The Nutcracker has been an important part of Christmas in Birmingham since the Company arrived in the city over 30 years ago. This year, Sir Peter Wright’s original production is being given a year out for necessary refurbishment to prepare it for the next 30 years of performance. Instead, Birmingham Royal Ballet is bringing its gloriously immersive Royal Albert Hall production, which has been performed to packed-out audiences in London since 2017, to Birmingham Hippodrome.

While Sir Peter Wright’s classic Birmingham production takes a one-year rest for necessary refurbishment, Sir David Bintley’s version for the Royal Albert Hall offers a thrilling alternative in which Tchaikovsky’s glorious score is centre stage, with the Company’s orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, playing live from a platform raised above the stage.

The ballet opens on a snowy street scene which features Drosselmeyer’s toyshop. The action then moves to the Stahlbaums’ house, where, against a wall of sparkling mirrors, their beautiful Christmas tree provides the centrepiece to a fabulous party. Then comes the scary midnight world into which King Rat enters with a roar of flame and a flash of smoke to do battle with the Nutcracker doll and his band of toy soldiers, and then the land of snow becomes a swirling, whirling pattern of snowflakes for as far as the eye can see. All of this is enhanced by beautiful projections from award-winning 59 Productions which will transform Birmingham Hippodrome’s auditorium and pull the audience into the heart of the action.

And at the forefront the Company’s world-class dancers taking on the iconic roles of Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Nutcracker Prince and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy. With 28 performances, there are opportunities for many of the company to take on the leading roles, and as always this year will see a number of dancers debuting in roles, alongside many Company favourites reprising roles they’ve made their own over the years.

There’s so much to delight in this production, whether you’re yearning for a hint of nostalgia and remembering past pleasures, or looking to start a whole new tradition for your family or friends.

Don’t miss your chance to start Christmas in style. Book direct at Birmingham Hippodrome by clicking here

Or if you’d like to know more about supporting Birmingham Royal Ballet through corporate opportunities or individual giving, contact Emma Thompson

Images: The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall. Photos © Andrew Ross.