English National Ballet Announces Principal Casting for Nutcracker
As part of its 75th Season, English National Ballet presents the world premiere of a new production of the classic festive ballet, Nutcracker, choreographed by the Company’s own Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Arielle Smith. Principal casting has been announced.
English National Ballet’s Artistic Director and joint choreographer of Nutcracker, Aaron S. Watkin, said: “Nutcracker holds a special place in English National Ballet’s history and in the hearts of our audiences. The Company has performed a version of it every year since it was founded in 1950 and it is an honour to be working with Arielle and Dick to bring new magic and wonder to this much-loved ballet.”
A celebration of classical ballet, this new version of Nutcracker will feature exquisite dancing, spectacular costumes and sets by Dick Bird, lighting by Paul Pyant, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic under the baton of the Company’s new Music Director, Maria Seletskaja.
Nutcracker will take audiences on a fantastical Christmas adventure as they join Clara on her journey of discovery. Starting on the streets of Edwardian London and Drosselymeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium, audiences follow Clara to a dazzling ice realm before a grand celebration arranged by the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Land of Sweets and Delights.
English National Ballet will also host a series of in-theatre workshops and events, offering a unique insight into the world of ballet. Activities include onstage workshops and classes, a behind-the-scenes tour, a Dynamic Drawing workshop, as well as a relaxed performance.
Alongside stage performances, the Company have partnered with Sky Arts to take audiences behind the curtain with a new series airing weekly from 9 December, Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet. Two documentaries follow preparations and rehearsals in the build-up to opening night and audiences can then tune in for the full performance, captured at the London Coliseum.
English National Ballet has also partnered with Raffles London at The OWO to host a display of previous Nutcracker costumes designed by the renowned Peter Farmer. They will be showcased throughout the hotel from 15 November – 6 January, accompanied by a Nutcracker-inspired hospitality offering in the rooms, suites, restaurants and bars at Raffles London at The OWO.
Visit www.ballet.org.uk for the latest casting updates.
ENB Nutcracker, Image by Jason Bell