The Nutcracker premiered 18th December 1892 at the Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, libretto Petipa and choreography Ivanov. Music Tchaikovsky Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s book Nutcracker and the Mouseking. It is the story of a young girl who is given a nutcracker doll for Christmas by her Godfather Drosselmeyer.

Clara falls asleep and dreams of the battle between the Seven-headed Mouseking and his army of mice and the life size Wooden Nutcracker and his army of soldiers. Clara has been chosen by Drosselmeyer to love the Nutcracker enough to save him from death. She defends him in the battle scene and he is transformed back to a handsome prince. The Nutcracker Prince takes Clara on a magic journey through the Snow Forest and on to the Kingdom of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara enjoys the celebration of dances that are presented in her honour.

EYB’s production of The Nutcracker has 208 costumes designed by Keith Bish who is currently working on the new costumes for Phantom of the Opera. Props were made by Jill Molyneux who was responsible for the props in Mary Poppins. Lisa Dickson who painted the scenery has painted many productions at the Victoria Palace West End theatre. 

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