St Martins Theatre, London – until 4th January 2026
Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton
4****
This year’s production of The Nutcracker at St Martin’s Theatre is a wonderfully fun and delightfully silly reimagining of the classic Christmas story. Aimed squarely at children and families, it manages to capture that rare combination of genuine heart, infectious humour, and festive charm. From the moment the lights dim, it’s clear that this is a show made to make people smile — and it succeeds beautifully.
The Nutcracker tells the story of two siblings, Clara (Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens) and Fritz (Dominic Conway), whose frantic father (Shamira Turner) has just moved them into a new, ‘fixer-upper’ house for their first Christmas since the passing of their mother. The two siblings must work together to defeat the Mouse King (Clare Beresford) and stop him from stealing their dad’s special cheese. Along the way we meet many fun characters, such as the Sugar Plum Fairy (Shamira Turner) and The Elder Mouse (Caroline Partridge).
The production bursts with colour, energy, and imagination. The staging is clever without being fussy, and the pace is brisk enough to keep even the youngest audience members thoroughly engaged. The humour leans into the playful and the absurd — plenty of slapstick, larger-than-life expressions, and even a giant poo that the siblings must survive — but it never feels overdone. It’s the kind of joyful silliness that makes the whole room laugh together, parents and children alike.
At the heart of the show lies a sense of genuine warmth. The performers clearly relish every moment, and their enthusiasm is contagious. The choreography is lively, the direction sharp, and the script smartly balances traditional storytelling with modern wit. There’s a strong interactive element, too, which helps keep the children’s attention and makes them feel part of the magic unfolding on stage.
A special mention must go to the show’s villain the Mouse King (Clare Beresford), who completely stole the spotlight every time they appeared. Clare Beresford’s commanding stage presence and truly impressive singing voice lifted each scene she was in, turning what could have been a simple musical baddie into a show-stopping highlight. It’s not often that a villain earns cheers as well as boos, but this performer managed exactly that.
If you’re looking for a deep, dramatic retelling of The Nutcracker, this probably isn’t it. But if you want an afternoon of laughter, colour, and festive fun — something to delight children and adults alike — this production is a perfect choice. It’s unapologetically silly, filled with heart, and staged with care and creativity. The Nutcracker at St Martin’s Theatre is a joyful, family-friendly romp that captures the magic of Christmas with a wink, a grin, and a song you’ll still be humming on the way home.