Ballet Ireland back at the Burnavon

This Ballet Ireland production features 16 of the top Irish and international dancers who have traveled from as far afield as Japan and Australia to dance with the company. Young and old alike will remember the excitement of Christmas and the scent of pine needles as Clara dances on stage. With sets by Zia Holly and costumes by Werner Dittrich, Ballet Ireland’s Nutcracker sparkles with the joy and imagination of a childhood Christmas.

An enduring seasonal favourite with appeal for every member of the family, this two-act ballet adapted from ETA Hoffman’s novel, premiered in St Petersburg on 18th December 1892 and today is one of the most popular of all ballets. Tchaikovsky’s score has become one of his most famous compositions.

Set on Christmas Eve, after the tree has been admired, presents given out to the children, and everyone gone to bed, little Clara returns to the sitting room to check on a gift broken earlier by her brother - the Nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, mice begin to fill the room and the Nutcracker grows to life-size. Clara is thrust into a battle between an army of tin soldiers led by The Nutcracker, and the mice led by the Mouse King. Having overcome the Mouse King, Clara and The Nutcracker, now a Prince, travel to Sugar Plum Fairy’s Land of Sweets.

With captivating music, lavish costumes and superb dancing, you don’t have to be a ballet expert to enjoy this performance, guaranteed to get you into the Christmas mood (it’s not that long away now!). Tickets cost £12 (£10 concession) with a family ticket at £38 (admits 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children). Book in person or by telephone (028 8676 9949) at Box Office now, or go online at www.burnavon.com. Keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter too, for some very special behind the scenes news and photography.