English National Ballet: The Nutcracker
I should have gotten this post up mid-December, just after my kids and I had gone to see it, but that was at the start of their school holidays and the manic rush-up to Christmas. It is not too late to book tickets and this is one special production worth the effort and the tickets prices.
The English National Opera performs in the London Coliseum, conveniently located just off Trafalgar Square. This Nutcracker production is told against the backdrop of Edwardian London, gorgeous sets and elegant costumes perfectly complement the score and choreography. The location of the theatre makes this production that extra-bit seasonal with the close proximity of the opulently festive Covent Garden, Somerset House and the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree.
Even my five year old boy, who was dragged to the Coliseum crying and whining about being forced to watch girls dancing, was agreeable once we walked into the theatre. If you have not been, London Coliseum is a fantastic, Baroque, Edwardian music hall adorned in red velvet and covered in gold leaf. It is a grand theatre for children, they gaze in wonder at the gold chariots flying out of the cornicing, the rounded theatre boxes and the orchestra pit.
There were three set changes in the first five minutes. The mice were more like giant rats, amusing my son who had grown fidgety during the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies. The pinnacle event of the first act is a hot air balloon lifting Clara off for a night of adventure. Amazing, and honestly worth all effort and expense.
There may be a few tickets remaining if you are looking for something special to do over the remaining days of the school holidays.
The Nutcracker, London Coliseum, English National Opera tickets
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