Southbank Centre – until 6 January 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
Drew McOnie’s new Nutcracker is a delightful treat that will warm your heart on these chilly winter nights. Transforming the café space in the Southbank Centre into an intimate jazz club, the experience is cosy and uplifting.
Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable melodies are reimagined by Cassie Kinoshi for a four-piece band with glorious effect – effortlessly transporting the audience between whimsical and sultry moments. Clara’s Christmas dreams become Clive’s in McOnie’s vision, and his dreams lead us on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. When Clive’s work-stressed dad sees him playing with the Sugar Plum fairy doll, he replaces it with an action man, and Clive unhappily falls asleep. Replacing the injured Sam Salter, Mark Samaras is wonderful as Clive – completely convincing as a young boy comfortable in his own skin but craving acceptance from his father. In his dreams, Clive gets to dance with Sugar Plum (Patricia Zhou) until Action Man appears with his more macho posturing. Clive’s attempts to show Action Man the joy and freedom of just being himself are realised beautifully, as Amonik Melaco’s movements become softer and his steely glare transforms into an innocent open smile.
The nostalgic 1970’s tones of Clive’s home (vintage tins of Quality Street!) become a riot of colour as the parade of characters – inspired by a tray of brightly coloured drinks that Clive and Action Man taste – take their turns on the floor. Chanelle Anthony’s stunning lithe solo Is a highlight, with Tim Hodges and Rachel Muldoon nailing very different moods as a manically bouncy lemon, a sultry lime and saucy strawberries.
The small performance area doesn’t hold the choreography back, instead creating an enjoyable intimacy, and the dancing is exquisite from the entire cast. The choreography is smooth and joyful, and Benjamin Kwasi Burrell’s costume design is camp and colourful and feels perfect in Soutra Gilmour’s kitsch venue design.
The message of acceptance is delivered with a twinkle and a wink as Clive shows Action Man the beauty of being yourself and is wrapped up nicely by a heartfelt monologue from Clive’s dad as he voices his love and pride for his sleeping son.
Nutcracker is sweet, funny and celebratory – and as camp as Christmas. A vibrant reimagining that is heating up the Winter season.