At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, who gives her a nutcracker doll. When the guests have departed and the house is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs in search of the doll. Instead, she finds Drosselmeyer, who whisks her away on a journey into a whole world of enchantment: fantastical landscapes of flurried snow and glittering confection where toys come alive and the magic never stops.

Peter Wright’s production of this festive family favourite sparkles to the wondrous swell of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral score, alongside the glow and grandeur of Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs.

Cast:

The Sugar Plum Fairy MAYARA MAGRI

The Prince REECE CLARKE

Herr Drosselmeyer JAMES HAY

Clara MARIANNA TSEMBENHOI

Hans-Peter/The Nutcracker TAISUKE NAKAO

Creatives:

Choreography PETER WRIGHT after LEV IVANOV

Music PYOTR IL’YICH TCHAIKOVSKY

Conductor CHARLOTTE POLITI

Original Scenario MARIUS PETIPA after E.T.A. HOFFMANN

Production and Scenario PETER WRIGHT

Designer JULIA TREVELYAN OMAN

Lighting Designer MARK HENDERSON

Production Consultant ROLAND JOHN WILEY

what to expect

The Royal Opera House broadcasts performances from its iconic Covent Garden main stage, offering audiences the best seat in the house, and access to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and rehearsal insights.