English National Ballet – Nutcracker National Tour

English National Ballet’s Nutcracker is touring nationally this Christmas with performances at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre from 29 November – 2 December and the London Coliseum from 14 December – 7 January 2024.

The much-loved festive family treat returns for 40 performances, continuing English National Ballet’s tradition of presenting a version of Nutcracker every year since it was founded in 1950. In this production, choreographed by Wayne Eagling, over 100 dancers and musicians will bring the classic story and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life, including the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers”, played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara receives an enchanted Nutcracker as a present. Together, they discover a magical world where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where a puppet theatre comes to life with dancers from around the world.

A perfect Christmas production for both regular attendees and first-time ballet goers, last year, over 70,000 audience members attended English National Ballet’s Nutcracker run at the London Coliseum. The production returns to the Mayflower Theatre for the first time since sold out performances in 2017.

Alongside its performances, English National Ballet will host a range of workshops and events, offering an introduction and insight into the world of ballet. Activities include onstage workshops for all ages, craft making, family friendly performances, and behind-the-scenes talks. For more information see www.ballet.org.uk