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- PRESS RELEASE 05/11/08 -
NORTHERN BALLET THEATRE BRINGS THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TO
MILTON KEYNES
Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT) returns to Milton Keynes with its highly acclaimed production of
The Nutcracker, which will be performed at the Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 25 –
Saturday 29 November 2008.
The Nutcracker is a seasonal favourite told in a traditional way, and tells the story of Clara and
her magical wooden Nutcracker doll. As the clock strikes midnight and the army of the wicked
Mouse King approaches, Clara’s Nutcracker proves to be no ordinary toy. A great battle against
the Mice and an enchanting journey across the world offer a colourful and spellbinding treat for
the whole family.
David Nixon has set his version in the Regency period, the time at which ETA Hoffman wrote
his story ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouseking’. The festivities of the season are captured by
Charles Cusick Smith’s beautiful set designs, David Nixon’s vivid costumes, and Mark
Jonathan’s lighting. The score is by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by John Longstaff
and performed live by the NBT Orchestra.
The Nutcracker is one of the world’s favourite ballets and has delighted audiences, young and
old, for over 100 years. The perfect introduction to classical ballet, The Nutcracker has
something for everyone, from the land of snow, to the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
David Nixon says, “We are keen to build a strong repertoire of family productions that NBT can
perform at Christmas each year, and The Nutcracker fits perfectly alongside ballets such as A
Christmas Carol and Peter Pan. People like to return to The Nutcracker because it reminds
them of childhood and that magical time when your dreams can become reality.”
Guaranteed to leave you and your family with a warm glow this Christmas book your tickets now
at the Box Office on 0870 060 6652 (bkg fee) or visit www.miltonkeynestheatre.com (bkg fee)
-ENDS-
LISTINGS
Venue: Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ
Dates: Tue 25 – Sat 29 November 2008
Performances: Evenings – 7.30pm, Matinees: Thurs & Sat, 2.30pm.
Tickets: £12 - £29 (Discounts, concessions and group rates available)
Box Office: 0870 060 6645 0870 060 6652 www.miltonkeynestheatre.com
Group Booking: 01908 547609
GET CLOSER
Pre-Performance Talk – FREE to performance ticket holders - Find out more about the
production and the Company from NBT staff - Thurs 27 Nov, 6.30pm – 7pm
Ballet Explored – Cost £2.50 - An informal talk and introduction to the production and the
Company with a chance to watch the dancers’ daily class on stage - Thurs 27 Nov, 11.15am –
12.45pm (Focussing on costumes)
Production Event – FREE to performance ticket holders - A unique event giving an insight
into how the production is created. Meet our technical team and find out more about sound,
lighting and sets. - Thurs 27 Nov, 4.45 – 5.15pm
Family Fun Day - £10 adults, £8 children, Family Ticket £32 (4 people including at least
one adult) - Creative dance workshop and craft workshops for the whole family based on The
Nutcracker. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult - Sat 29 Nov, 9.45am –
12.45pm
Open Adult Dance Workshop - £8 - A chance to be creative and learn some of the repertoire
from the production. No previous experience required. Led by an NBT Dance Artist and
accompanied by live music. - Mon 24 Nov, 6.30pm – 8pm.
NOTES TO EDITORS
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Andre Prokovsky choreographed a version of ‘The Nutcracker’ for NBT in 1980 and this
was the last time the Company performed the ballet.
In 1891 Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for a ballet based
on Hoffman’s ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’. The first performance of ‘The
Nutcracker’ took place at the Mariinsky Theatre, Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet.
Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT) is a narrative dance company whose distinctive blend of
classical dance and theatre is renowned for captivating new audiences. For up to 30
weeks of the year NBT’s company of 40 dancers tour a combination of new work and
acclaimed repertory pieces to all four UK countries and overseas. This extensive touring
schedule demonstrates NBT’s commitment to providing opportunities for people of all
ages to have access to excellence in dance performance and participation.
Comprehensive information about the company, dancers and tour available 24hrs on
www.northernballettheatre.co.uk
The NBT Production of the Nutcracker at Milton Keynesincludes performances by young
dancers from Tring who are being rehearsed by ex-NBT principal Artist Jeremy Kerridge.
The children will play the roles of the Party Children and the Mice in the large company
scenes.
NBT Michael Berkin new to the company is from Milton Keynes. Michael trained at the
Royal Ballet School and previously danced with the Royal New Zealand Ballet,
Birmingham Royal Ballet and Ballet Ireland,
Images and a syndicated interview with Artisitc Director David Nixon are available on
request from Becky Martin [email protected]
If you have any further questions or requests please contact Becky Martin
Becky Martin
Press & Communications Officer
Milton Keynes Theatre
[email protected]
01908 547603
www.miltonkeynestheatre.com