Review: The Nutcracker, Newcastle Theatre Royal

By Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle

WATCHING The Nutcracker is like revisiting an old friend and reliving some memories.

Whether you are into ballet or not, the score is so familiar, it cannot help but grab your attention.

Artistic director Ashley Page certainly does that from the off, with a magical opening sequence which I won’t spoil for any of you heading there this week.

The entire Act 1 is nothing short of magical – from the inventive set design – where the house of the Stahlbaums is mirrored in that of the doll’s house – to the lavish, 20s-inspired costumes.

I sat with a smile on my face throughout – and thought the Christmas tree falling on to the stage was a wonderful touch (I discovered in the interval it wasn’t meant to happen, but methinks Scottish Ballet could be missing a trick here!).

Set in the Weimar Republic in Germany, it is Christmas Eve and Marie hears the story of a brave young man who saves a princess from a horrible curse.

As she sleeps she is transported into a surreal dream world of evil governesses, magical dolls houses, mouse queens and disguised princes, where she must learn to fend for herself and discover the secret of true love.

Page mixes traditional ballet with a beautifully-crafted contemporary feel, which is joy to watch.

Act 2, though, fails to ignite quite as much.

While the divertissement is colourful and performed well, none of the scenarios had that wow factor about them.

That is not to deter from the overall feel of the production, which is entertaining to watch.

I feel more could have been done for the finale, which seemed to simply peter out.

As a visual treat, The Nutcracker delivers on all levels.

A few other mishaps (akin to the tree episode) failed to detract from the overall presentation.

Erik Cavallari was excellent as The Nutcracker Prince, while Claire Robertson was his perfect partner as Marie, their Grand Pas getting the biggest applause of the evening.