The Stage

The Nutcracker

Published Monday 13 December 2010 at 17:58 by Sarah Frater

Daria Klimentova and Vadim Muntagirov first danced together in Swan Lake last summer, but already their partnership looks set to transform their careers. It’s early days, but in the opening performance of ENB’s new production of the Nutcracker, the pair were exceptional, the young Muntagirov a noble partner and virtuoso soloist, and the more experienced Klimentova all nimble footwork and easy elevations.

Daria Klimentova (Clara) and Vadim Muntagirov (Nephew) in The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum Photo: Tristram Kenton

Indeed, they were so good they distracted you from the glitches that often beset the first night of a new show. This production, ENB’s tenth in 60 years, is the work of company director Wayne Eagling. The veteran dancer and company director has taken a traditional approach, setting the happy family Christmas in a comfortable home, where the children are well behaved and the adults all kindly.

The first act works well, with Peter Farmer’s designs framing a joyous family party, with presents and a toymaker magician. The second act is also good, with the famous divertissements imagined as toys emerging from a toy theatre. Shiori Kase was especially good in the Chinese dance.

However, Eagling’s linking sequences, and some of his ideas are less clear. The transformation scene, and the growing Christmas tree, two of the ballet’s big moments, are disappointing, and creating two Claras (a younger and older one) and giving her a big sister is muddling. Some of the choreography is uneven.

With time and adjustments, the production should settle in. However, the first night goes to Klimentova and Muntagirov, who ENB should keep hold of.