Nutcracker costumes exhibition at Raffles London at The OWO
This Christmas, step into the enchanting world of English National Ballet at Raffles London at The OWO, where the magic of the season comes alive.
Celebrating the premiere of a new production in 2024, the halls will be decked with original costumes from the beloved Nutcracker, designed by the renowned Peter Farmer, from 15 November 2024 – 6 January 2025.
The costumes on display are for the Nutcracker production by Wayne Eagling, which premiered in 2010, and ran until 2023. It was seen by close to 1,000,000 people in that time.
Get up close to these magnificent costumes, which graced the stage for 13 consecutive years and are now showcased throughout the hotel. Feel how each of them tells a story and carries the legacy of this cherished ballet.
Festive Season Partner
Snowflakes
A classic tutu with an elegant cut, the bodice is made from brocade and back onto cotton drill, applique work with velour, nets and organza. A myriad of Swarovski crystals means sparkles abound, creating a glittering effect on the stage.
These tutus were carefully refurbished each year, so they could be used again and again by different ballerinas. They had been going strong for 13 years until they went into retirement.
Design by Peter Farmer
Sugar Plum Fairy
This ornate tutu is bespoke to each Prima Ballerina and takes approximately one week to make, with 16 layers of net under the delicate top skirt. Around 400 Swarovski crystals are hand sewn on the tutu and bodice and the minx net is skin tone match to the dancer.
The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy was originally created as an homage. While he was composing the score for Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky received devastating news about the death of his beloved sister, Alexandra. Moved by grief, he decided to immortalize her in the character of Sugar Plum Fairy. Tchaikovsky had discovered the musical instrument celesta during a stay in France, and chose to employ its ringing bell-like sound for the iconic melody of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Design by Peter Farmer
Clara’s Nightdress
Clara is the heroine of Nutcracker. The ballet follows her adventures on Christmas Eve. In her dreams, she battles the Mouse King with her Nutcracker doll.
In most versions of Nutcracker, the role of Clara is performed by two dancers: a young dancer at the beginning of the ballet, and an older one once the story moves into Clara’s dreams.
Her elegant nightdress may look simple, but it is made of ten meters of fabric, with a stretch crepe georgette underlayer, so it can move beautifully on stage and not restrict the dancer in any way.
Design by Peter Farmer
Nutcracker
Instantly recognisable, the costume for the titular character is the iconic red jacket, with gold braid decorations. It is designed in a military style, made from a stretch velour, and set on a stretch cotton drill, to allow for maximum movement as he leads the toy soldiers into battle against the Mouse King.
Nutcracker is based on the book The Story of a Nutcracker (1845), by the French writer Alexandre Dumas – itself an adaptation of E.T.A Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (1816).
Design by Peter Farmer
Mouse King
The ballet’s villain has the scariest look, with this unforgettable mask and long tail.
The mask limits the dancer’s visibility, and the tail can get caught in people’s feet – making this a particularly challenging costume to perform in. The costume base is made of Lycra, layered with patches of ten different fabrics, braids and furs. He also has a padded tummy and latex fingernails, details that aren’t necessarily visible from the stage but complete his look wonderfully.
Design by Peter Farmer
Learn more about this fun role:
Experience English National Ballet’s brand-new Nutcracker, choreographed by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, with costumes and set designs by Dick Bird, at the London Coliseum from 12 Dec – 12 Jan. Book your Nutcracker tickets here.
Treat yourself to the magic Raffles hospitality – loved by generations
For those wishing to create a festive escape in the heart of London, and only 10 minutes’ walk from the London Coliseum, a wide variety of festive packages and menus are on offer.
Nutcracker Nights
Includes two nights in a beautiful room or suite, breakfast, festive treats on arrival, tickets for two to English National Ballet’s performance of Nutcracker (dates subject to availability), three course pre-theatre menu at Saison by Mauro Colagreco, night cap cocktail each at The Guards Bar and Lounge.
Minimum two-night stay, T&C’s apply. Prices from £1,154 including VAT for a Classic room.
The Guards Bar & Lounge Nutcracker Cocktails
Facing Horse Guards, this bar is home to extraordinary cocktails, fine wines, and rare spirits. Options include Nutcracker themed cocktail or cognac from the bespoke Louix XIII trolley, the only 6L methusalem being served by the glass.
Nutcracker cocktails available from 15 November. Louis XIII starts at £95 per person. Nutcracker Cocktails from £22 pp from 15 November.
Saison Pre-Theatre Festive Set Menu
Experience the magic of the Riviera with a touch of English Christmas charm. Enjoy a specially curated set lunch and pre-theatre menu at Saison, perfect for those heading to the West End for a show.
Two courses from £48 and three Courses from £60.
Nutcracker Festive Afternoon Tea
Cosy up in The Drawing Room with a delicious Festive Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, featuring a celebratory twist on British classics. Enjoy an elegant selection of sweet and savory treats accompanied by a live pianist and views of the Household Cavalry guarding the official entrance to Buckingham Palace. Prices from £95 pp (excluding champagne) from 15 November.
