With its enchanting story and some of Tchaikovsky’s best-loved music, including the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker has captivated audiences of all ages for well over 100 years.
It's Christmas Eve. At her parents’ party, Clara is thrilled when her godfather, the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer, gives her a nutcracker doll dressed as a soldier; he even repairs it by magic when her brother breaks it in a fit of jealousy. Later that night, when everyone is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs to look for her doll, only to find that the Christmas tree suddenly becomes enormous and all the toys come to life. Transformed by Drosselmeyer into a valiant warrior, the Nutcracker leads his toy soldiers in a fierce battle with the villainous Mouse King and his army, defeats them with Clara’s help, and immediately turns into a handsome prince. He whisks Clara away to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them to a brilliant display of colourful dances from across the world and a magnificent pas de deux that is one of the highlights of classical ballet – the perfect climax to a sparkling fantasy that entertains and delights everyone who sees it.
