A cracking family show
Reporter: Marina Berry
Date published: 05 January 2011
The Nutcracker, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
THIS timeless classic is like a favourite Christmas decoration — dusted off each year and brought out to take pride of place amid all else that makes the festive season magical.
The enchanting ballet has for decades been a firm seasonal family favourite, and subject to interpretation from many choreographers.
This show, which runs tonight and tomorrow at the Bridgewater Hall, is a condensed version spanning just two hours — including an interval, courtesy of the Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia.
The evening was entertaining and enjoyable, and a fantastic set of regal and lavish costumes thrilled the eye from start to finish.
The mice, dancing in subservience to their Mouse King, had wonderful costumes and with their well-practised rodent mannerisms, looked for all the world like the bright-eyed, athletic creatures they were meant to be.
Tchaikovsky’s music is some of the most instantly recognisable in all ballet, with a wealth of famous melodies.
Played by a 30-strong orchestra, the music provided a platform for graceful and enjoyable dances from the Prince, Yury Vyskubenko, and partner Maria Kuimova (normally “Clara”, here “Marie”), who were well supported by the rest of the cast.
