The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Russian State Ballet: The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty
Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, October 3 and 4.
There’s a treat in store for ballet lovers and anyone who believes in fairy stories – the Russian State Ballet and Opera House is performing The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty at the Alhambra next week.
Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by ETA Hoffmann, it tells the story of Marie, a sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve, which turns into a prince.
When midnight strikes, the world turns magical in the wintry glitter of Christmas Eve. Toys come alive, the Mouse King and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and audiences travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...
Then there’s Sleeping Beauty, every child’s fairy tale, where goodness and beauty triumph. Telling the story of a princess who is doomed to sleep for 100 years after she pricks her finger on the needle of a spindle, only waking when a handsome prince battles through a forest of thorns to kiss her, the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic is set to Tchaikovsky’s score.
Alexej Ignatowa, the shows’ producer, believes The Nutcracker is the greatest ballet classic and a must for theatre programmes.
“It continues to capture the hearts and imagination of generations of theatre-goers and is a truly captivating piece of theatre, a wonderful introduction to ballet for anyone who has never experienced it and still so special to anyone who has,” he enthuses.
“It’s also a little bit Christmassy and as the shops and TV adverts keep reminding us, Christmas is not so very far away so perhaps the ballet will help to put people in a festive mood.”
Alexej’s own young children are testament to the enduring appeal of both ballets. “They were totally mesmerised when they saw them a couple of years ago,” he recalls. “The main thing we do with my productions is to make everything as classical as we can and the story as easy as possible to follow. That way audiences can relax, enjoy and be transported by the fairy tale and the beautiful music.
“You don’t need a PhD to understand ballet – it is for everyone of every age and background and it’s always close to my heart to go to places that might not often get top-class ballet and opera.”
Alexej had his first visit to Dunfermline a few weeks ago when the Russian State Opera presented Madame Butterfly and Carmen.
“It was at the start of our tour and we only managed to get out for a few walks,” he says.
“I hope this time round we’ll be able to explore a lot more.”