Gabriel Anderson as the Rat King. Photo by Johan Persson, The Nutcracker, Birmingham Royal Ballet — Gabriel Anderson as the Rat King. Photo by Johan Persson

The panto cheese brigade isn’t to everyone’s taste at Christmas and that’s ok – especially as there’s an equally festive show which pirouettes annually on to the Birmingham Hippodrome stage.

Sir Peter Wright’s exquisite production has been performed by an international cast of 60 wonderfully talented dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet more than 600 times in the city since moving from Sadler’s Wells in London in 1990, enjoyed by over a million people

And it’s fast become a festive tradition for many – me included. Many of those I spoke on the night came as children and now return year after year with their families. Nothing like Sugar Plum Fairies, epic battles, a flying goose, and dancing rats to get you in the festive mood, right? Right!

The Nutcracker, Birmingham Royal Ballet. Yasemin Kayabay, Yuki Sugiura, Sophie Walters and Rosanna Ely as Mirlitons, Sofia Liñares as Clara (c) Johan Persson — Yasemin Kayabay, Yuki Sugiura, Sophie Walters and Rosanna Ely as Mirlitons, Sofia Liñares as Clara (c) Johan Persson

Birmingham Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker. Yasiel Hodelín Bello as the Prince. Photo by Johan Persson — Yasiel Hodelín Bello as the Prince. Photo by Johan Persson

The show underwent a £1 million revamp in 2022 and is hands down one of the most awe-inspiring sets I’ve seen (not surprising considering it was originally created for the Royal Albert Hall). Think a huge 30ft Christmas tree, ‘snow’ falling from the sky and land of the Sugar Plum fairy. Not to mention a captivating score by Tchaikovsky, pitch perfect by Birmingham’s Royal Sinfonia.

The Nutcracker, Birmingham Royal Ballet. Louis Andreasen as Drosselmeyer's Assistant. Photo by Johan Persson — Louis Andreasen here as Drosselmeyer’s Assistant. Photo by Johan Persson

From the moment the dancers tiptoed onto the stage I was blown away by their technical brilliance, poise and gravity-defying elegance (although what else would you expect from the world-class Birmingham Royal Ballet directed by Carlos Acosta?). At one point two rogue Christmas tree baubles rolled onto the stage and much to the audience’s amusement magician Drosselmeyer (Louis Andreasen) kicked them into the wings with such panache the auditorium erupted into spontaneous laughter. Class.

The Nutcracker. Yuki Sugiura as The Snow Fairy. Photo by Johan Persson — Yuki Sugiura as The Snow Fairy. Photo by Johan Persson

Every toe-tapping step was en pointe, from the children in the show to the more experienced dancers and the costumes are stunning. No surprise kids were plié-ing around the foyer during the interval, I was feeling pretty inspired to give it a go myself. Don’t worry, I didn’t.

If you’re looking for a beautiful festive show to see with your friends or the family, this ticks all the boxes, whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time. It’s a truly magical and Christmassy experience, which you’re probably going to want to relieve time and time again.

Birmingham Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker press night, 2025 at Birmingham Hippodrome

So, what are you waiting for? The Nutcracker is on until Sat 13 Dec. Book your tickets here.

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, B5 4TB.

Review: The Nutcracker, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Hippodrome

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