Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! – A Dazzling New Take on the Christmas Classic

What happens when the most inventive choreographer in British dance reimagines one of ballet’s most beloved stories? You get Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!, a joyful, witty, and visually sumptuous take on the holiday classic that transforms Tchaikovsky’s familiar tale into a sparkling, candy-coloured adventure.

Filmed live at London’s Sadler’s Wells and streaming now on Marquee TV, this bold production is a must-watch for ballet lovers, Bourne fans, and families seeking a fresh spin on festive tradition.

A Sugar Rush of a Story

At its heart, Nutcracker! remains a tale of transformation and escape. But in Bourne’s world, Clara’s dream isn’t just about magical lands—it’s about breaking free from the grey confines of a grim orphanage and discovering her own desires.

The ballet opens not in a cosy Victorian living room but in a bleak Dickensian institution, where Clara (Cordelia Braithwaite) endures a joyless Christmas Eve. Her journey to Sweetieland begins after a stolen moment of rebellion, leading her from cold stone corridors to a fantastical world filled with kaleidoscopic colours, over-the-top characters, and infectious joy.

Bourne’s Choreographic Magic

Matthew Bourne, known for Swan Lake, The Red Shoes, and Edward Scissorhands, brings his signature storytelling style to every step. His Nutcracker! is less about traditional pas de deux and more about bold narrative movement, character-driven expression, and theatrical flair.

The choreography sparkles with humour and heart—from the exaggerated struts of the Marshmallow Girls to the cheeky antics of Prince Bon-Bon and Princess Sugar.

Cordelia Braithwaite shines as Clara, blending vulnerability and courage with captivating grace. Harrison Dowzell’s Nutcracker is earnest and eager, while Ashley Shaw’s dual role as the frosty Sugar and the glamorous Princess Sugar adds bite to the ballet’s sweeter moments. Dominic North’s Fritz, later revealed as Prince Bon-Bon, injects both charm and mischief into Clara’s dream world.

Visuals to Feast On

Visually, this Nutcracker! is a treat for the eyes. Lez Brotherston’s set and costume design draw heavily from the technicolour world of 1940s and 50s Hollywood musicals. Think Busby Berkeley meets Willy Wonka. From the icy blues of the frozen lake to the pink-hued, candy-striped splendour of Sweetieland, every scene bursts with inventive detail.

There’s a delicious undercurrent of satire, too—this Sweetieland is filled with jealous treats and cloying confections, and Clara must navigate its sugary politics as well as her own adolescent longings.

A Classic Reimagined

Bourne’s version retains Tchaikovsky’s iconic 1892 score, but the music is rearranged to fit the new story beats, breathing fresh emotional energy into every movement. It’s a testament to both the flexibility of the score and Bourne’s ability to honour tradition while flipping it on its head.

While purists may miss some of the classical ballet elements, Bourne’s Nutcracker! replaces them with robust storytelling, accessible humour, and a genuine sense of wonder. It’s ballet theatre at its most inviting—perfect for newcomers and connoisseurs alike.

Why You Should Watch Nutcracker! on Marquee TV

This production of Nutcracker! captures the electricity of a live performance with the intimacy of a film. The camera lingers on expressions, follows movement fluidly, and invites viewers deeper into Clara’s fantastical journey. Whether you’re revisiting a holiday favourite or discovering it anew, this is an experience not to miss.

Streaming on Marquee TV alongside Bourne’s Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Car Man, Nutcracker! rounds out a delicious dance offering for the holiday season and beyond.