The London Coliseum is one of the most beautiful, historic theatres in the West End. Opened in 1904, this is the capital’s largest theatre and its grand façade and impressive interior provide the perfect backdrop for world-class ballet.
Your experience will begin the moment you walk through the door: look out for English National Ballet’s pointe shoe tree in the foyer, created by former ENB Artist Amber Hunt – a novel way to recycle pointe shoes and the perfect place to snap a pic!
Whether you’re sitting in the stalls, dress circle, or upper levels, you’ll enjoy great views of the stage, bringing you closer to the magic of Nutcracker. As you make your way to your seat, you can find bars on every level of the theatre serving a range of drinks, refreshments and Nutcracker-themed cocktails.
Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl embarking on a journey of discovery where anything is possible.
It’s Christmas Eve, and Clara and her mother are shopping at Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium where she meets an enchanted Nutcracker doll. They take home a selection of delicious treats to delight the guests at their party that evening. As music and laughter fill the house, Clara has a magical vision, sparking an adventure to the Land of Sweets & Delights where the Sugar Plum Fairy arranges a grand celebration in her honour.
Performances of Nutcracker last 2 hours, including one interval.
As the theatre lights dim, you’ll hear the musicians of the English National Ballet Philharmonic tuning up and you’ll know it’s almost time for the performance to start.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is one of the world’s most iconic classical music scores and hearing it played live is and experience not to missed. Listen out for the familiar sounds that have become timeless Christmas classics, including the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Act II.
English National Ballet artists are the heart and soul of Nutcracker. As the dancers move across the stage with extraordinary precision and grace, you’ll be awed by their technique and their ability to bring Nutcracker’s wonderful array of characters to life.
From the swirling snowflakes of Act I to the dazzling Waltz of the Buttercream Roses in Act II, you can expect a breathtaking performance filled with dreamlike fantasy.
For adults, Nutcracker is a chance to escape the everyday and rediscover your inner child. A visit to Nutcracker is an essential festive tradition for lots of people, so get ready to create some wonderful, shared memories with friends and family.
If you’re bringing children to a performance, they’ll be absorbed by the characters and vibrant sights and sounds of the ballet. Why not get your little ones excited about their trip in advance? Visit our Nutcracker online hub, featuring games, activities and music to explore.
The magic of the performance doesn’t need to end with the curtain call. Make the most of the festive atmosphere in the nearby surroundings by taking in the dazzling Christmas lights around Trafalgar Square and London’s West End.
Whether this is your first time at the ballet or Nutcracker is a cherished annual tradition, a visit to English National Ballet promises to be an unforgettable experience.