English National Ballet is to make a recorded performance of Nutcracker Delights available to watch for free on YouTube and Facebook from 2PM on Thursday 24 December for 30 days. It was filmed on 18 and 19 December at the London Coliseum by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt.
ENB’s Artistic Director Tamara Rojo said, “we were devastated to have to cancel our scheduled shows at the London Coliseum just a few days before opening.
"English National Ballet has performed a version of The Nutcracker every year of our 70-year history, and we were determined this Christmas should be no different. This year has demonstrated the capacity of the arts sector to respond to challenges with creativity and resolve. And so I’m pleased that we have quickly found a way, despite the circumstances, to bring Nutcracker Delights to life this Christmas, continuing our 70-year tradition, and allowing us to share some much-needed festive magic with our audiences.”
Nutcracker Delights is a showcase of the ballet’s most popular moments, with Tchaikovsky’s score played live by musicians from English National Ballet Philharmonic. New Principal Natascha Mair dances the role of Clara alongside Lead Principal Erina Takahashi as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Lead Principal Joseph Caley as the Prince and First Soloist Aitor Arrieta as Nutcracker.
The London Coliseum Box Office is contacting ticketholders for live performances of Nutcracker Delights to arrange credit vouchers for next year’s full-length Nutcracker or refunds.