Iohna Loots and Steven McRae on The Nutcracker

Iohna Loots and Steven McRae tell us what makes The Royal Ballet s The Nutcracker a seasonal favourite. Find out more at: http://www.roh.org.uk/nutcracker To find your nearest screening visit: http://cinema.roh.org.uk/now-booking/nearest/*/40632 Pyotr Il yich Tchaikovsky s Nutcracker score was commissioned by the director of the Russian Imperial Theatres, following the resounding success of Sleeping Beauty in 1890. Marius Petipa created the scenario – based on a fairytale by E. T. A. Hoffman – and Lev Ivanov provided the choreography. The Nutcracker was first performed in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. It initially had a poor reception, but its combination of enchanting choreography and an unforgettable score have since made it one of the best-loved of all ballets. In Peter Wright s classic production, the stage sparkles with theatrical magic – a Christmas tree grows before our eyes, toy soldiers come to life to fight the villainous Mouse King and Clara is whisked to the Land of Sweets on a golden sleigh. Tchaikovsky s score contains some of the best-known melodies in ballet, from the flurrying sounds of the Waltz of the Snowflakes to the dream-like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the vigorous Russian Dance. Julia Trevelyan Oman s designs draw upon 19th-century images of Christmas, making this a classic production for the festive season.