FREE FAMILY WORKSHOPS

BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet will be running free family activities at the Bullring shopping centre on Saturday, giving visitors a chance to delve into the world of Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.

The colourful, interactive workshop, using themes from The Nutcracker, will include story guides, movement and a rare chance to try on the costumes of some of the favourite characters from the ballet.

There will also be an introduction to the story of The Nutcracker, featuring two of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world class dancers performing the Sugar Plum and Prince pas de deux live.

The Nutcracker, famed for its magnificent sets and costumes, takes place on Christmas Eve in the Victorian setting of Clara’s family home.

As midnight strikes, the magical Christmas tree grows and grows,

Clara’s nutcracker doll and his army of toy soldiers come to life, and Clara is swept away into a fantasy adventure through an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Tom Rogers, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s creative content producer, and former first soloist, said: “Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker belongs to the City of Birmingham. It is important that we find ways to make sure it can be seen and enjoyed by the whole city.

‘‘This exciting free event will offer families the chance to meet our worldclass dancers and staff and find out more about the story of The Nutcracker, which has now been seen by over one million people around the world and is a festive favourite in our home city.”

The event will take place on the ground floor, from 2pm-5pm. Space is limited so it will be a case of first come, first served.