The Nutcracker

Queensland Ballet's twelfth season of The Nutcracker is a triumph of artistry and enchantment, offering a spellbinding experience for audiences of all ages. This beloved holiday classic has been reimagined with an exceptional blend of skill, creativity, and festive cheer, courtesy of a stellar team of performers and creatives. 

The production is a visual pleasure. Thomas Boyd’s captivating set design, enhanced by David Walters’ masterful lighting, establishes a mood of wonder from the very first moments. A painted winter scene on the scrim, positioned front of stage, evokes a dreamlike quality as characters pass behind it during the opening sequence. This transportive effect immediately immerses the audience into the magical world of Clara and her adventures. Boyd's sets throughout the entire show are nothing short of a festive feast for the eyes, each scene delivering a grand visual spectacle. 

Costuming, originally envisioned by Desmond Heeley and given a fresh perspective by associate designer Noelene Hill, is equally exquisite. Each outfit is perfectly matched to its character, radiating Victorian-era charm. Together, the set, costumes, and lighting conjure the nostalgic beauty of a vintage Christmas card or a gilded chocolate box. 

Fairy-tale splendour and playful humour runs through the heart of Ben Stevenson OBE’s choreography. The characterisations and scenarios brim with light-hearted moments, and the performers clearly relish the opportunity to inject levity into their roles. This sense of joy only adds to the magic, complemented by stunning special effects that captivate the audience. The snowfall, Clara’s swan-guided journey, the growing Christmas tree, the exciting movement of the owl clock, and the grandeur of Mother Ginger’s oversized dress are just a few standout moments that inspire gasps of wonder. 

The live music provided by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra is another highlight. Under the expert direction of principal conductor and music director Nigel Gaynor, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score comes to life with rich emotion and flawless pacing. The orchestra’s performance is a sublime companion to the dancers’ extraordinary artistry. 

As for the dancing itself, Queensland Ballet's troupe delivers world-class performances that are a testament to their strength, grace, and technical mastery. The cast exhibit impeccable form, dynamic turns, and remarkable athleticism, with soaring sautés, high jetés, perfect pirouettes and elegant poses that inspire the audience to outbursts of rapturous applause. 

Standout performances on opening night included Neneka Yoshida’s radiant and ethereal Sugar Plum Fairy, Patricio Revé’s princely charm and athleticism, Vito Bernasconi’s flamboyant, expressive Dr Drosselmeyer, Chiara Gonzalez and Kohei Iwamoto’s enchanting partnership as the Snow Queen and Snow Prince, and Vanessa Morelli and D'Arcy Brazier’s acrobatic Arabian Dancers. Ivan Surodeev’s spirited Gopak was a dazzling display of agility and energy and a definite crowd favourite. 

At its heart, The Nutcracker remains a timeless tale of wonder and imagination, a story that evokes the spirit of Christmas and the magic of childhood dreams. Over a century since its debut, it continues to enthral audiences with its charm and beauty. Queensland Ballet’s production is ballet at its most accessible and, for many, at its most enjoyable. This magical performance is a holiday must-see, a celebration of artistry and festive joy that will warm your heart and spark your imagination. 

Kitty Goodall

Photography by David Kelly