MATTHEW Bourne’s sensational Nutcracker! returns to Milton Keynes Theatre next week after another hugely successful Christmas season at London’s Sadler’s Wells,
One of the most popular productions ever staged in the UK, Bourne’s Nutcracker! is a delicious theatrical feast with family sized helpings of the choreographer’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy.
Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s unforgettable sets and costumes, Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr Dross’ Orphanage through a shimmering ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.
Returning to New Adventures in the role of ‘Clara’ is Hannah Vassallo, who has recently completed two years in the West End production of Dirty Dancing playing the leading role of ‘Baby’. ‘Nutcracker!’ will be played by Chris Trenfield (‘The Swan’ in Swan Lake), Adam Maskell (‘The Angel’ in Cinderella) and Edwin Ray (‘The Pilot’ in Cinderella). ‘Sugar’ will be performed by Ashley Shaw, Sophia Hurdley and Chloe Wilkinson (all from the recent hit production of Cinderella) while her brother, ‘Fritz’ will be played by New Adventures favourite Dominic North (a record-breaking 7 different productions with New Adventures since his debut in 2004) and Daniel Collins (Cinderella).
Said Matthew: “To help celebrate this evergreen production’s 20th Birthday, I have decided to cast the show with the next generation of New Adventures dancers, mostly making their debuts in these roles. It seems only right to develop and nurture the incredible young talent that we have in the company by giving them bigger opportunities and challenges.
“I am, though, delighted to say that the cast includes our original Clara from 1992, Etta Murfitt, who along with several other New Adventures veterans, will guide and inspire the younger cast members.”
Nutcracker! runs from Tuesday until Saturday.
For tickets call the box office 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com /miltonkeynes