Discover what critics have had to say about the English National Ballet’s new production of the classic ballet.
The Guardian: **** ” The whole thing feels familiar but fresh, colourful but still classy, sweet but not sickly. A solid success.”
The Reviews Hub: **** 1/2 “Bird’s work is first-rate, everything you want from this ballet and then some, but managed with swift physical transitions that are a credit to the Coliseum’s stage management and technical teams.”
The Standard: **** “ENB will hope that they’ve made a show that they can bring out for years to come – there’s truly heaps to sink your teeth into.”
Gramilano.com: *** 1/2 “The English National Ballet Philharmonic sounded wonderful under the baton of Maria Seletskaja, who has great taste in tempi, and the dancers continue to shine under Watkin’s directorship, especially the men. Though the night absolutely belonged to Hawes – a modern-day ballerina no less – and we’re lucky she chooses to dance in London I say!”
The Stage: **** “English National Ballet’s new production is a cleverly imagined visual feast.”
London Box Office.co.uk: *** “An odd night. Colourful. Often playful. Inventive (in terms of design concept) but with a weirdly incongruous blend of choreography which – like a bonbon which has been left in the bottom of the bowl – just doesn’t quite taste right.”
The Telegraph: **** “This long-overdue replacement may not offer much choreographic razzmatazz but, in terms of design and concept, it’s in a different league.”
Broadway World: **** “Like many, having plugged away with ENBs previous Nutcracker for over a decade, Watkin and Smith’s new creation is an almost overwhelming experience. The stage is consistently packed with action, colour and character (more than can be covered here). For now, it’s a truly exciting new interpretation that is accessible to all and will only benefit from repeat viewing as the company get to grips with it’s numerous demands. Creatively and choreographically no expense has been spared and it will undoubtedly delight audiences for years to come.”
Nutcracker continues to play at the London Coliseum until the 12th January 2025. To book tickets click here.