Review: The Nutcracker- A Christmas Fairytale at New Vic Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] Magic storytelling at its finest: The Nutcracker is a spectacular family adventure brought to life in the New Vic’s sensational style. Libby Dallimore reviews.

There’s nothing like a theatre trip to get you in the festive spirit and you can always count on the incredible team at the New Vic to really bring the magic.

This year, the holiday season offering is a spellbinding adaptation of The Nutcracker and while most will be familiar with the story – the New Vic adaptation, directed by Theresa Heskins, is an intriguing tale with clever choreography set to a stunning score performed by live musicians with a cast of colourful characters bringing the story to life.

Join Marie (Franky Attard) as she miraculously shrinks in size on Christmas Eve night and sets off on an adventure to the Land of Sweets accompanied by the enchanted Nutcracker Prince (Edwin Cheng). They’re off to rescue Princess Sugar Plum (Maeve Nolan) from the wicked Mouse Queen (Kaitlin Howard) who will stop at nothing to devour any sweet treat that stands in her way…

Travelling across a lemonade lake, passing dancing gingerbread people and toys, will the courageous duo make it to the top of the tree to break the enchanted spell? Or will Marie wake up to find it was all a dream?

Attard is a brilliant protagonist who will have you on side immediately. She embodies the right mix of childish curiosity and seems genuinely delighted to be dancing with giant teddy bears and dolls. There’s also nothing wooden from Cheng as the bewitched nutcracker, although his stiff, mechanical movements are spot on. My only critique would be the nutcracker mouthpiece – it didn’t look like it fit and from our visage but mouth piece aside, Lis Evan’s costume designs were dazzling and really added to the characters personalities, from Uncle Drosselmeyer’s (Peter Watts) incredible cloak to the Glace Cherry Guard’s helmets.

Renowned for the clever staging and trickery, the New Vic has done it once again and audience members of all ages will no doubt delight in the magic that unfolds. I’m still questioning how Uncle Drosselmeyer plucked a full sized ladder out of his travel bag – it was giving Mary Poppins vibes and had us all scratching our heads in amazement. My six-year-old was absolutely mesmerized throughout and as a budding ballerina herself, she delighted in watching the dance routines choreographed by Beverley Norris-Edmunds which were set perfectly to Tchaikovsky’s renowned composition and artfully adapted by James Atherton. My 10-year-old, who admittedly isn’t a huge theatre fan, also enjoyed every minute and he and his dad even shed a tear at the end. No spoilers but it’s bitter sweet. I will tell you this though, it’s a poignant and happy ending.

In Theresa Heskin’s Director’s Notes in the programme, you will learn more about how she developed ETA Hoffman’s original German story which adds depth to the choices made – particularly around the character of Princess Sugar Plum and the narrative architecture around her development. As a fan of Tchaikovsky’s ballet compositions and distinctive scores, I had never learned much of the Russian composer so I found this depth and detail incredibly informative and enjoyed learning more about the artistic decisions made in the creation of this festive adventure. This is why I would always advise picking up a programme when you go to the theatre as you discover so much more.

To end, if you are looking for a Christmassy theatre outing with the family and the chaos of the panto doesn’t appeal, put this at the top of your list to Santa. It’s the perfect mix of magic and festive spirit and will leave you feeling gloriously full of wonder.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £10 to £34. Concessions and Group Discounts (for ten or more) £2.00 off.

Family of Four – Save £8 off each ticket
(must include one adult & one child; valid on top 2 prices only; max 8 tickets per booking)

How do I book tickets to watch The Nutcracker?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office (E-tickets will be emailed), by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show will run until Saturday, 27 January 2024. Evening shows are at 7.30pm, while morning shows at 10.30 and matinee shows available at 2.15pm.

Accessible Performances

Audio Described Performances
Saturday 16 December 2023 2.15pm
Saturday 20 January 2024 2.15pm

Captioned Performances
Saturday 13 January 2024 2.15pm
Saturday 20 January 2024 7.30pm

Relaxed Performance
Saturday 13 January 2024, 2.15pm

Where is the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?

New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG

Things to note: 

The New Vic welcomes all customers and is committed to providing access to the arts for all, which includes:

• Free parking close to the theatre entrance for Blue Badge holders (reserve a space with the box office)
• Limited parking for customers, a small parking fee of £1.50
• Automatic doors and level access into the foyer ramped access to the auditorium on the ground floor and lift access to the first floor
• Wheelchair spaces on both the ground and first floor
• Disabled toilets
• An induction loop system (not available for amplified performances and an infrared-assisted hearing system)
• Baby-changing facilities
• Assistance dogs are welcome and water will be provided (if you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, let the box office know when booking)
• Sign language-interpreted, audio-described, captioned, relaxed and schools’ performances are available for some performances

Keeping you safe

They want you to have the best experience possible when you visit the New Vic. To help you enjoy your visit, they’ve put some measures in place to help all visitors feel as comfortable as possible.

• Please feel free to wear a face covering whilst at the New Vic, when walking around the venue and during the performance. 

• They ask all guests to be mindful of fellow audience members when at the theatre, who may prefer to continue to keep a distance from other theatregoers whilst in their spaces.

• They have hand sanitiser stations positioned around the theatre, free to use by all. They are maintaining their high levels of cleanliness throughout the building, ensuring all spaces and contact surfaces are regularly sanitised.

Feeling unwell? If you, or a member of your party, are exhibiting symptoms of Covid19 prior to your visit, they politely ask that you do not attend the theatre. If this is the case, please speak to a member of their Box Office team who will be able to talk you through options to exchange your tickets.

About The New Vic Theatre

Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Review by: Libby Dallimore

You may want to read this:

Review: Alice in Wonderland at the New Vic Theatre

Review: Beauty and the Beast at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Review: The Prince and the Pauper at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Review: Coppelia – A Mystery at New Vic Theatre

Review: Season’s Greetings at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

* We were provided with tickets to attend the show in exchange for a feature. All opinions are our own.

Photo credit: New Vic Theatre / Andrew Billington