Mayflower theatre, Southampton – 29th November 2024
Reviewed by Joanna Huggett
5*****
From the moment Nutcracker started we were mesmerised by the wonderful ballet and orchestral music. The story began in Drosselmeyer’s workshop where he and his assistants were preparing toys for the local children. Junor Souza who played Drosselmeyer was excellent. The story then moves down into the sweet shop below and the festive street market. The sets were very attractive and festive looking, and the sweet shop looked very enticing.
The story moves on to the Stahlbaums Christmas Eve party. Again, another lovely festive scene. The junior dancers were excellent. Particularly the little girl who played the young Clara, who we thought acted the part superbly, as well as dancing very well.
We loved the dream scene where the older Clara defeats the Rat King and the Nutcracker transforms into a young Prince. We felt that Clara, played by Ivana Bueno, and the Nutcracker prince, played by Francesco Gabriele Frola, danced beautifully together and had great chemistry. We loved the effects of the ice realm and particularly the glistening ice sleigh which took flight.
We loved all of Act 2. The story begins in the land of sweets and delights. We loved all the sweet themed dances. We thought all the dancers were excellent, and the music was very rousing. We particularly enjoyed the sugar plum fairy’s dance with the sugar plum cavalier, played by Emma Hawes and Aitor Arrieta respectively.
The story ends with young Clara waking up back in the salon wondering whether her adventures had all been just a dream.
I think it is fair to say that my teenage daughters and I loved every second of Nutcracker! A truly breath-taking performance, and the best ballet we have seen. We thought all the dancers and the orchestra did an exceptional job.
This is a must see!