Koen Kessels conducts Tchaikovsky’s radiant score with a proper feeling for magic. Choreographed by Will Tuckett, the new mouse battle scene has toy soldiers shaking their way out of their castle-shaped box, eager to join the fray. At the party, you can trace the relationships and personalities of the guests, from children creating their own playtime worlds to a housekeeper politely spooked by the magician. Gary Avis’s genial Drosselmeyer whirls around his tiny workshop, wrapping up each toy with tender care. On stage, it feels refreshed: so many details jump out. From the Christmas party to Marianela Nunez’s silvery poise as the Sugar Plum Fairy, it’s an evening of good-hearted sparkle.Ĭreated in 1984, this production has had various tweaks over the years, such as beefing up the role of the magician Drosselmeyer, or recent adjustments to make it more Covid-safe. Peter Wright’s production is a sumptuous and traditional festive treat, revived this year with particular warmth. There’s a glow of affection surrounding The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker. Marianela Nunez and Vadim Muntagirov in ‘The Nutcracker’ at The Royal Opera House (The Royal Opera House.

Royal opera house nutcracker