The Nutcracker, currently playing at Opera North in the Leeds Grand Theatre, is a lively and playful take on the traditional Christmas ballet.
Rather than trying to reinvent the story completely, the production focuses on fun and imagination, which makes it feel welcoming and easy to engage with.
One of the strongest impressions across the performance came from the dancers themselves. Smiles rarely left their faces as they moved through the different dream worlds of Clara’s imagination, and that enjoyment felt genuine rather than forced.
This sense of playfulness gets to the heart of what The Nutcracker is about. It leans into childhood wonder and fantasy instead of spectacle or drama.
The fight with the Mouse King summed this up well. Instead of being threatening, the scene felt deliberately silly, more like a child’s game of make-believe than a real battle, which suited the tone of the production far better.
The group scenes were another highlight. The dancers moved with confidence, and the coordination between them made these sections especially engaging. During these moments, the stage felt full and alive, and this energy immersed me completely.
Costume design also added to the overall charm of the production. The knights and their horses looked like toys brought to life, directly recalling the figures you might have played with as a child. Their wooden swords only added to this depiction.
Another standout costume was the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu, which was extravagant, glittering under the lights. It was whimsical, otherworldly and imaginative.
Overall, The Nutcracker feels like a production that understands its audience. It doesn’t overcomplicate the story or push for unnecessary seriousness. Instead, it offers a joyful, family-friendly introduction to ballet, where strong ensemble dancing, imaginative design, and a lively orchestra come together to create something memorably enjoyable.
Main image by Scott Salt. All photography courtesy of Northern Ballet.
