Northern Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’: A Magical Winter Wonderland – Review

Northern Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker. Photo: Emily Nuttall.

This Christmas, Northern Ballet’s captivating ‘The Nutcracker’ returns to Leeds Grand Theatre from 18 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 for a special festive run. Telling the timeless story of Clara and her extraordinary wooden nutcracker doll, this much-loved ballet sweeps audiences away into an enchanting winter wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes, colourful characters and brave adventures. TSOTA were invited to the magical opening night to experience this festive favourite for ourselves.

Around Christmas time, nutcracker dolls are everywhere: hanging on trees, adorning fireplaces and even towering in shop windows. But nothing captures their festive spirit quite like ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet. One of the world’s most beloved ballets, delighting audiences for over 100 years, this production follows the Edwards family as they prepare for a grand Christmas party. The lavish setting is instantly transporting: butlers serving drinks and decadent food, a roaring fireplace filling the room with warmth on a cold winter’s night, and beautiful sequined dresses paired with smart tuxedos, reminiscent of something straight out of Bridgerton.

Northern Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker. Photo: Emily Nuttall.

Despite the opulence, the scene feels comfortingly familiar. There are older brothers teasing younger sisters, endless food and drink, and joyful singing and dancing that stretches long into the night – all the hallmarks of a family Christmas. The large ensemble dances are mesmerising. The cast move as one, perfectly synchronised, creating a sense of togetherness that is uplifting. The phenomenal orchestra, seated below the stage, elevates the merriment further, their music drifting up into the theatre and filling the party with joy.

No family Christmas party would be complete without a slightly eccentric relative, and for the Edwards family that role is filled by Uncle Drosselmeyer, played by the brilliant Harry Skoupas. Arriving with a large box from his travels, he immediately captivates the children. From it emerge two sets of life-size dancing dolls, their stiff, wooden movements a playful nod to the ballerinas we recognise from spinning jewellery boxes. He also presents Clara with a wooden nutcracker soldier, capable of cracking nuts. Clara is instantly besotted, much to her brother’s jealousy, which sparks a scuffle that breaks the doll. Thankfully, Drosselmeyer repairs it, and as the party winds down, the household heads to bed.

Harry Skoupas in The Nutcracker. Photo: Scott Salt.

It is here that the familiar gives way to the fantastical. Unable to sleep, Clara tiptoes back downstairs, only to find that the room seems to have grown. Everything is larger, darker, and suddenly surrounded by mice. This is where the stunning work of set designer Charles Cusick Smith truly comes into its own. The once cosy living room becomes a dramatic battleground between the Mouse King and a life-size Nutcracker. The Christmas tree stretches impossibly tall, its top disappearing out of sight, while the china cabinet transforms before our eyes into a looming castle.

The mice steal the show in this scene. Ballet often has a reputation for being serious and sombre, but this couldn’t be further from the truth here. The students from the Academy of Royal Ballet who embody these mice are as cheeky as they are graceful, provoking laughter from the audience as they wiggle, scuttle and shake their tails with mischievous charm.

Northern Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker. Photo: Scott Salt.

With the Mouse King defeated (thanks to Clara’s bravery), Drosselmeyer calls upon his magic once more, transforming the Nutcracker into a handsome young man and transporting the pair into a snowy fairyland. The scene is breathtaking. White, snow-covered trees line the stage, set against a dark backdrop scattered with twinkling lights that evoke a crisp, starry winter’s night. This world is brought to life by the snow maidens, whose sweeping, fluid movements seem to embody the forest itself.

The set transforms once more into a beautiful garden, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier finally appear. What follows is a dazzling sequence of dances bursting with colour and movement.  A standout moment is the Sugar Plum Fairy’s (Seaka Shirai) pirouettes, spiralling gracefully, almost dizzyingly, into the arms of her Cavalier with breathtaking precision. Equally memorable are the dancers representing water, dressed in striking blue costumes designed by David Nixon. Their flowing chiffon sleeves ripple through the air, perfectly echoing the movement of waves as the dancers glide across the stage.

Jonathan Hanks and Saeka Shirai in The Nutcracker. Photo: Emily Nuttall.

Watching over these performances from an elevated box is Clara, accompanied by her Nutcracker prince. Rachael Gillespie brings warmth and sincerity to Clara, capturing the pure awe and joy of a child living out her wildest dreams. Her constant sense of wonder mirrors that of the audience, who feel like children again as imagination takes over.

Northern Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is a festive delight. Despite being one of the most classical and traditional ballets, it never feels intimidating or pretentious. The storytelling is clear, the dancing is consistently superb, and the playful humour, stunning sets and beautiful costumes make it the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family.

***

‘The Nutcracker’ is now showing at Leeds Grand Theatre until 4 Jan 2026. For more information or to book tickets, visit their website.