The Nutcracker a hit for ballet "first-timer"
15 January 2015
The Scottish Ballet is bringing The Nutcracker to His Majesty’s Theatre! Amazing! I NEED to get tickets! And that’s exactly what I did – and for opening night too!
I had never been to the ballet before, and neither had my partner Alistair, so we were more than looking forward to it. I think for someone who had never been to the ballet before The Nutcracker is perfect for a “first-timer”. You’ll surprise yourself with how much of the music you’ll recognise (and enjoy!). I admit, it can be quite a daunting thought to go to the theatre to see the ballet, and we didn’t really know what to expect. But we quickly realised it is for anyone to enjoy! We were sitting next to an older couple who I think take a trip to the ballet quite seriously. To the other side of us were a family with young children. And all around us were people young and old, dressed to the nines or just dressed in jeans and a jumper. A trip to the ballet doesn’t have to be a daunting experience – it can be whatever you want it to be!
We were sitting up in the Dress Circle which gave us a perfect view of the whole stage. I always think that HMT looks very grand anyway, and the beautifully dressed stage complemented it perfectly – The Nutcracker and HMT are a match made in heaven. The “Land of Ice and Snow” was made to look like a truly magical place. In one scene it was glistening white and the next it was exploding in colour. And wow – the costumes were just magnificent! I don’t even know where to begin with the dancers and performers. The best word I can think of to describe them is “elegance”. They simply move round the stage with each movement being more elegant than the last. And that goes for both the male and female dancers by the way. The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince were awe-inspiring to watch. Have you ever heard a singer sing, or watched a dancer dance, and the thought “I wish I could do that”? I had a moment like that last night.
If you’re missing that festive sparkle then here’s your chance to extend the magic of Christmas. The Nutcracker is running at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday 17th January. If you’re not able to bag yourself tickets before then you might fancy going to see Shrek, Birdsong, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jersey Boys or The Bodyguard who are all going to be at HMT over the next few months. In the words of Ferrero Rocher – HMT, you are really spoiling us!
All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.