Last year, the Royal Ballet managed only four performances of The Nutcracker before the winter lockdown came into force and the Royal Opera House had to close again. Those few performances gave audiences a slightly different adaptation of Peter Wright’s acclaimed production, with several dances omitted and a much smaller cast to make it as Covid-friendly for the dancers as possible.
This year, the old version is back – well, not quite, as there are some minor changes still in place. The Act I party scene now features more children, but the fight between the soldiers and mice uses adults only with choreography by Will Tuckett. It lacks the impact of the original battle and we can only hope that next year a full complement of kiddies will be allowed back on stage.
The transformation scene is as magical as ever, but the Waltz of the Snowflakes uses reduced numbers, and this too, while pretty, does not give us the beauty of a stage filled with dancers. At least we have some singing this year, during the waltz, which was not allowed last year.
On opening night, Anna Rose O’Sullivan, now promoted to Principal, was a joyous Clara, with precise and speedy footwork. She delighted in giving the Mouse King an almighty thwack with her slipper to save the Nutcracker.
Act II saw the return of the Arabian Dance (albeit cut down to two dancers) with a deliciously sinuous Melissa Hamilton, and Yuhui Choe was impressively speedy in her Rose Fairy solo.
As the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince, Marianela Nunez and Vadim Muntagirov made light of one of the most difficult pas de deux in the classical repertoire. Muntagirov cannot hide his delight in dancing – not only is his technique superb, but he also looks so happy to be on stage. He is a delight to watch.
As Drosselmeyer, Gary Avis swished his gorgeous turquoise cloak with aplomb, and sprinkled his glitter everywhere. Apparently, he cuts up his own glitter to add even more to his scenes. Perhaps he should be known as Gary Glitter…then again, perhaps not.
The Nutcracker is at the Royal Opera House until 8 January 2022. www.roh.org.uk
