Review, The Nutcracker, Bristol Old Vic – ‘A Christmas show that dials the fun and fabulous up to 11’

For the first time at a Bristol Old Vic press night all year, the audience for The Nutcracker was dotted with palpably excited children.

Together with the beautifully festive and welcoming front of house space, adorned with twinkling lights and a suitably resplendent Christmas tree, it made for an extra special atmosphere to the most eagerly anticipated family show in the city’s theatrical calendar.

Reuniting the creative team of outgoing artistic director Tom Morris, Lee Lyford as director and Gwyneth Herbert as musical director, composer, lyricist, and the gleefully bombastic character of Queen Mouse, the world of The Nutcracker – E.T.A. Hoffman’s shadowy, enigmatic and oft-revisited early 19th century fairy tale – provides a mightily rich landscape to delve into.

Tristan Sturrock (Clockmaker) and Denzel Baidoo (Nutcracker) in The Nutcracker, Bristol Old Vic (2022) – photo: Geraint Lewis

Gone is Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, and indeed the sugar plum fairy, from the ballet version of the 1890s, though a few distinct echoes pepper Herbert’s eclectic composition.

And while there is some of Hoffman’s darkness in this version of the story, Morris chooses instead to bring out the hallmarks of what he believes every successful Christmas show must bear: it’s about hope, gratitude, empathy, and that particular brand of magic that only the collective experience of theatre can bring.

Full company in The Nutcracker – photo: Geraint Lewis

Talking of magic, we get unapologetic lashings of pure festive razzle dazzle here, dialled up to maximum. Special mention must go to Tom Rogers for the stunning design and hugely imaginative costumes, from Denzel Baidoo as The Nutcracker to Patrcycja Kujawska’s Mother/Baboon with Spoon/Queen Spoon, and Guy Hughes as Action Man/Curly Pearly to Harry Bird and James Gow, on-stage musicians doubling up as a rock star bear and lemur respectively.

The ensemble gels very well, though returning Bristol Old Vic favourite Tristan Sturrock as clockmaker Mr Choke steals the show, and deservedly gets all the best lines, too. Mae Munro impresses as the open-hearted “dream head” Claire for whom her family, initially, do not have time.

Patrycja Kujawska (Queen Spoon), Guy Hughes (Curly Pearly) – photo: Geraint Lewis

Baidoo, who makes his stage debut in the title role, strikes gorgeously staccato and constrained mechanical movement, and lyrical choreography at the points in the story when he is free.

The perpetual motion of time is woven through the heart of the narrative, from Rogers’ artfully constructed set – all cogs, wheels and clockfaces – to the repeated refrain “it is the music of everything”.

Claire with the toys come to life – photo: Geraint Lewis

While Mr Choke laments that unlike clocks, people cannot be taken apart and mended, Claire’s adventures lead us to recognise the healing impact of empathy, being present, and “seeing what’s in front of your face”.

And to be clear, for the duration of this two hour show, what is in front of your face is absolutely everything you can shake a candy cane at.

Full company in The Nutcracker – photo: Geraint Lewis

So we have song and dance numbers, plenty of levity but poignant moments too, some audience involvement, sweet-throwing and a seven-headed mouse king. It’s certainly a feast for the eyes and the soul.

And as we explore the recesses of Claire’s fantastical dreamscape, it strikes me that while it doesn’t always make a whole lot of sense, does it really need to? The awe-struck gasps of the children at the end suggested it more than fulfilled its promise.

Tristan Sturrock as the Mouse King – photo: Geraint Lewis

The Nutcracker (age recommendation 7+) is at Bristol Old Vic from November 24-January 7. Showtimes are 10am, 2pm and 7pm and vary between days; for more information and tickets, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk.

All photos: Geraint Lewis

Read more: The Nutcracker set to bring Christmas alive at Bristol Old Vic

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