PRESS RELEASE: BRB'S THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME | FIRST RELAXED PERFORMANCE OF THE NUTCRACKER | FREE NUTCRACKER EVENT AT BIRMINGHAM BULLRING

[Jan McNulty]

PRESS RELEASE

1 OCTOBER 2024

 

 

SIR PETER WRIGHT’S MUCH-LOVED THE NUTCRACKER

RETURNS TO BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME THIS NOVEMBER

FIRST RELAXED PERFORMANCE OF THE NUTCRACKER TO TAKE PLACE

AND FREE ACTIVITIES IN BIRMINGHAM BULLRING

‘No other version comes close’ Sunday Times

 

BRB The Nutcracker 2023 Photo Johan Persson. 

 

Birmingham Royal Ballet return to their home base at Birmingham Hippodrome this November with Sir Peter Wright’s annual festive treat The Nutcracker.

 

The acclaimed production, which enjoyed its best-ever season at the theatre last year (over 40 thousand tickets sold), has become a must-see for Midlands audiences since its world premiere in Birmingham in 1990.  With a spectacular 27 performances from 22 November through to 14 December, it marks the start of Christmas for seasoned BRB fans as well as attracting new audiences across the region year on year.

 

At the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Clara tiptoes downstairs and is swept away on an unforgettable magical journey…

 

At her parents’ lavish Christmas party, Clara is given a mysterious Nutcracker Doll. Once all the guests have left, she sneaks downstairs to find her present and comes face-to-face with the fearsome King Rat, ready to do battle with the Nutcracker and his band of toy soldiers. As soon as King Rat is vanquished, Clara is whisked away on a magical adventure with the Nutcracker, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanting kingdom where she is transformed into the Sugar Plum Fairy.

BRB’s The Nutcracker has been acclaimed as one of the best productions of its kind with sumptuous costumes and magnificent sets by designer John Macfarlane and a memorable score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky performed by the world-class musicians of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.   Principal casting will be announced on www.brb.org.uk/nutcracker

 

This year marks BRB’s very first Relaxed Performance of The Nutcracker on 3 December at 12.45pm in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome.

 

Relaxed performances are designed for individuals who may experience challenges in traditional theatre settings. These performances are supportive of people with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, or sensory and communication differences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience in their own way.

 

Attendees are welcome to walk in and out of the auditorium as they please and make noise throughout. Certain aspects of staging are also adapted to suit the audience, including an introduction to some of the characters, the musicians and magic tricks. House lights will be raised during the performance so the auditorium is not completely dark.

 

The theatre provides a calm space nearby, with beanbags, sensory toys and bubble lights, for when people need it. All front of house staff are trained in advance of all Relaxed Performances and a visual story of The Nutcracker will be sent out to attendees before the show.

 

Interim Director of Learning, Engagement, Access and Participation, Paul Reeve, said: “BRB is delighted to be able to bring our first Relaxed Performance of The Nutcracker to Birmingham Hippodrome stage for all audiences to enjoy.”

 

As well as a Relaxed Performance the performance on 30 November at 2.30pm will be Audio Described, and those attending will have the opportunity to take part in a Touch Tour at 12.30pm.

Finally, In the run up to The Nutcracker season Birmingham Royal Ballet have once again partnered with Birmingham Hippodrome to offer families and shoppers a FREE day of events in the BullRing Grand Central on Saturday 16 November.  Exploring the themes of The Nutcracker, there will be dance workshops for children, the chance to watch a special performance by BRB’s professional dancers and more … Just turn up and join in the fun!

 

For times and tickets for The Nutcracker, please go to www.birminghamhippodrome.com

 

Tickets for the Relaxed and Audio Described performances are available online to those registered for Access performances. If you prefer not to make your access booking online, please speak to Birmingham Hippodrome’s friendly access advisors on 0121 689 1060.

 

 

Notes to Editors

Birmingham Royal Ballet Based at Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading touring ballet company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as groundbreaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The Company’s Director since January 2020 is the internationally renowned Carlos Acosta. Birmingham Royal Ballet standardly performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. On average, the Company performs over 100 shows a year nationally and internationally. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Birmingham Royal Ballet’s permanent orchestra, it is also Britain's busiest ballet orchestra. The Sinfonia also plays frequently for The Royal Ballet and other leading ballet companies, including performances with Paris Opéra Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Kirov, Norwegian Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and La Scala Ballet.