The Nutcracker ballets in London 2018: Where to see the festive classic this Christmas

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Lizzie Thomson10 December 2018

Every year The Nutcracker pirouettes back onto London’s ballet scene with different dance companies offering their own take on the famous story.

2018 is no different. It promises three different versions of Tchaikovsky's Christmas tale, more than 120 years after it was first performed in 1892.

Feeling festive and fancy booking a ticket? Here’s everything you need to know about the Nutcracker productions happening in London this Christmas.

Nutcracker with English National Ballet at the London Coliseum

More than 100 dancers and musicians will bring the two-act ballet to life at the London Coliseum. Following sold out performances in 2017 and 2016, the beloved show returns for three weeks starting on December 13.

The English National Ballet will take audiences from a frost-speckled Victorian London into the magical world of the Nutcracker, journeying to the Land of Snow and beyond.

The principal cast will change based on the performance date, so it’s best to check on the official website to see a full list for each show.

The Nutcracker with the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House

Tristram Kenton

Peter Wright's interpretation of the Nutcracker was first performed by the Royal Ballet in 1984. His choreography cleverly incorporates fragments of the ballet's original material and plays on the subtext of first love between Clara and the Nutcracker.

Cast members will change with dates, but both Sarah Lamb and Marianela Nuñez will star as the Sugar Plum Fairy in a number of shows alongside Steven McRae as the Prince.

The six week stint will run from December 3 until January 15.

The Nutcracker with Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Royal Albert Hall

Following a critically-acclaimed season last year, the Birmingham Royal Ballet brings its own version of the Nutcracker back to London this December, in a production that will run for just four days in between Christmas and New Year.

The show has been specially designed to reflect the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall, with intricate period costumes, enchanting lighting and creative projections from Tony Award-winning 59 Productions.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra will bring Tchaikovsky’s riveting score to life with Koen Kessels — the music director of the Royal Ballet — conducting.

The Nutcracker story

For those not in the loop, the Nutcracker ballet is based on a story written by ETA Hoffman titled The Nutcracker and the King of Mice. It follows a young girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker for Christmas.

The enchanted present leads her on a wonderful Christmas adventure taking her to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets — where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Nutcracker dates and tickets in London

Due to popular demand, tickets for The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House have sold out but returns may mean that some will be available at a later date.

There are limited box tickets left for the show at the London Coliseum, which runs from December 13 - 30, and they can be purchased by calling the box office directly.

The Royal Albert Hall hall has the most availability for shows, with seats ranging from £35 upwards. Tickets can be purchased via the official website.

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