This Christmas, Sky Arts will go behind the curtain of English National Ballet's new production of Nutcracker in anew series, Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet, which reveals what it takes to re-invent a globally renowned classic.
It will feature the company’s Artistic Director and choreographer, Aaron S Watkin, and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Arielle Smith as well designer Dick Bird, the principal dancers, musicians, music director and costumiers.
Watkin said, “Nutcracker holds a special place in English National Ballet’s history and in the hearts of our audiences. In 1950, we were one of the first UK companies to introduce the production into our repertoire, and we have performed a version every year since. It’s wonderful to be able to open up the world of ballet as we work to bring new magic and wonder to this much-loved piece, offering real insight into what happens behind-the-scenes as a new production makes its way to the stage.”
The two-part documentary, each of one hour, followed by the two-hour production itself will be transmitted weekly from 9 December 2024.