The Scottish Ballet presents The Nutcracker which graces the His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen stage from 29th January- 1st February 2025. This divine production brings light and warmth to everyone’s hearts- a true delight to watch on a cold mid winter’s evening.
This is Scottish Ballet’s artistic Director Christopher Hampson third revival of Peter Darrell’s short but impactful masterpiece which delivers on every level. This classic story follows Clara Stahlbaum (played by the wonderfully talented Sienna Fraser) who drifts away to sleep on Christmas Eve after she receives a Nutcracker doll from her mysterious aunt and magician Drosselmeyer. She is then taken on a fantastical adventure of pure joy and imagination as she meets the honourable Nutcracker Prince, the mischievous Rat King and the sweetest Sugar Plum Fairies you ever did see!
This iconic production is most definitely a feast for the eyes. In the opening scene we are greeted into the Colonel and Lady Stahlbaums lavish home where they hold an exquisite Christmas Eve party. Immediately your soul is warmed with the deep regal reds and forest greens that drape all around- you are immediately drawn into the scene so beautifully.
We are then taken to the land of snow and ice which is perfectly framed by the delicate intricacies of snowflakes. The icy powder blue backdrop in contrast with the crisp white tutu’s makes the scene really pop. Finally we are whisked off to the Land of sweets where we are met by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The set is immersed with thousands of colourful Christmas baubles that represent the scrumptious treats of the land. The atmosphere created on each of these sets can only be described as something straight out of a fairytale music box, absolutely sublime.
The costumes throughout never failed to disappoint either. The attention to detail on every single costume was outstanding . The bright colours and sparkles are eye-catching which adds to the overall aesthetic of performance tremendously. Hats off to Lez Brotherston OBE for delivering these innovative designs that bring to life this mesmerising story so wonderfully.
The Scottish Ballet dancers are nothing short of incredible in this production. Their poise, grace and strength is something to truly be admired whether or not you have been to the ballet before. The hours of dedication to their craft speaks for itself with every graceful move and power leap taken on stage. The dancers particularly shine in Act 2 where they effortlessly bring to life the most dazzling characters which can’t help but bring a smile to anyone’s face. The dancers exude charm along with the younger dancers who bring a cheeky light heartedness to the story. The female dancers are the epitome of elegance with every synchronised sequence being marvelled at by the audience.
What really makes this production memorable is the fabulous notes of Tchaikovsky’s renowned Nutcracker score. I was blown away by the magnificent Scottish Ballet Orchestra who gave the audience the most incredible delivery- from the fine plucks of the strings to the loud dramatic crashes of the cymbals brings the whole production together flawlessly.
This is my very first experience of the Ballet and I feel very lucky to experience this perfectly thought out production. I highly recommend anyone to see this exquisitely stunning masterpiece as I guarantee you will be converted into a ballet lover!
On at HMT Aberdeen until the 1st February. Get your tickets here: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/scottish-ballet-the-nutcracker/
Theatre Scotland 
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