Review: The Nutcracker at Vue Cinemas Leeds

There is simply no other ballet which is as much of a sparkling show stopper as The Nutcracker, first streamed at The Light's Vue cinema on December 5.

Vue cinema streamed the opening night from the Royal Opera House with hosts Darcey Bussell and Petroc Trelawny.

The Christmas favourite, which was streamed to more than 30 cinemas around the world, is staged by Peter Wright who gives the production a modern twist - heavily focusing on the romance between Clara and Drosselmeyer’s young nephew.

This twinkling tale of first love and adventure is simply perfect - a story for both ballet novices and Tchaikovsky connosieurs. A saga for both young and old.

I must admit, with this being the first ballet I had ever seen, I didn’t know what to expect and whether I could follow the plot.

However, the music and cast’s expressive movements acted like a script and, paired with The Nutcracker synopsis I received, it was absolutely delightful.

The Arabian dancers mesmerised every single person in the audience with their artful movements and synchronicity.

Tchaikovsky has impacted our musical environment more than we could imagine - his symphonic soundtrack was more familiar than I ever realised. Perhaps in writing, the name ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ or ‘Pas de Deux’ fails to hold any significance - however every tune is a household familiarity.

Without a doubt there’s nothing like the buzzing atmosphere of a crowded theatre, but I feel the cinema has its own charm too.

Unlike at the theatre where your seat defines how much of the stage you see, the camera films every important emotion and scene.

It enhanced the emotive nature of the entire performance, as well as offering a closer look at the glimmering costumes worn by every dancer - from the Snowflakes to the Sugar Plum fairy’s dazzling dress.

The livestream had half an hour of extra, behind the scenes footage which proved useful to, as a true ballet beginner, the work and effort involved during production. It must be said, despite embarrassing to admit, I sobbed. The beauty of each dancer’s emotional movement completely overwhelmed me.

This was the first ballet I have ever experienced - and I am entirely sure that it will not be the last.

If you'd like to experience the magic for yourself, there will be more showings at Vue Cinemas in the coming weeks. The tickets cost Â£17.49 per adult. You can book tickets online here: https://www.myvue.com/event/the-royal-ballet-the-nutcracker-2017