BOOKING NOW: MUST SEE EVENT

The Nutcracker

Leeds Grand Theatre. Tickets are now on sale, visit northernballet.com/nutcracker

Northern Ballet returns to Leeds Grand Theatre next month to kick off the festive season early with performances of The Nutcracker from November 29-December 10.

The show promises to take audiences on an unforgettable adventure, where toys come to life and the spirit of the season fills the air. With dazzling ballet, mesmerising music, and breathtaking sets and costumes, this timeless ballet has captured hearts for generations. The Nutcracker is one of the world’s favourite ballets. The story follows a young girl called Clara whose mysterious Uncle gifts her a magical Nutcracker Doll that comes to life as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas eve.

As the Edwards family prepare for their Christmas party, Clara imagines the wonderful things that might happen. Her brother Frederick can’t miss a moment to tease her and is only stopped by the arrival of their beautiful older sister Louise. The party comes to life with lots of dancing and as the excitement builds, Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives with a huge box from the Far East out of which come two sets of life-sized dancing dolls and he presents Clara and Frederick with a strange wooden soldier doll that can also crack nuts.

Clara is in awe of the little wooden man and Frederick quickly becomes jealous, a fight follows and soon the doll lies broken on the floor. Clara’s tears dry as her Uncle manages to repair the doll.

The party ends and Clara leaves her Nutcracker by the tree before going to bed. Unseen, Drosselmeyer remains behind and casts his magic. Unable to sleep, Clara tiptoes down to the dark room and is soon surrounded by large mice. The room seems to have grown and the china cabinet has become a castle, home to a life-sized version of her Nutcracker doll that comes to life…

The perfect introduction to classical ballet, The Nutcracker has something for everyone. The ballet is set to Tchaikovsky's instantly recognisable music, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Northern Ballet is hosting an audio-described performance and Touch Tour for visuallyimpaired patrons. For more information visit northernballet.com/audio-described-performances