The Tchaiskovsky Perm State Ballet's The Nutcracker | Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Review by: David O'Shaughnessy

Venue: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

No strangers to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet returned this week for a festive line-up to blow your socks off, in a very graceful and decadent manner of course. Running until Sunday December 9th, The Perm P. Tchaikovsky Opera and Ballet Theatre to give them their full name, are presenting not one but two exquisite productions for Irish audiences, the ballet fan favourite Swan Lake, and the gloriously festive and classic Christmas tale The Nutcracker.

In what is a perfect evening of ballet and festive feeling, The Nutcracker tells the tale of young Marie, who receives a Christmas gift of a nut-cracking soldier and then goes on a wonderful magical adventure with him through a fairytale kingdom. Shorter than other ballets, The Nutcracker runs at a family friendly length of 50 minutes each Act, with a 20 minute interval separating them. It does take a while to get going, the setting of the story in the glamorous Stahlbaum house and the introduction of all our players taking up the first half of Act One, but once all is set in place and the magic begins, you're swept away in a delightful display of exceptional dance and glorious music.

Alexandra Surodeeva, nimble and light with beautiful poise and youthfulness, is perfect as Marie. Balanced and graceful, she portrays the naivety and wonder of young Marie fantastically, with her sense of awe at the events wonderfully evident. Her movements are fluid and controlled, with every inch of her body from her toes to her fingertips performing to their maximum. Ruslan Savdenov's Prince is as charming and princely as you would desire from a classic fairytale, strong and nimble, making every effort and movement seem effortless and a warm smile throughout, while the rest of the company engage with their pieces with excellence, the Arabian Dance and Waltz of the Flowers being two stand out highlights.

When Tchaikovsky's familiar and most famous composition begins during the latter half of Act Two, it is hard not to be whisked away from the dregs of everyday life, which is what all live theatre aims to do. The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra tackle Tchaikovsky's score with a mindful lightness of touch and a warm familiarity that makes it nothing but a pleasure to listen to. The magic is almost palpable as the famous notes of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers gliding through the air beautifully under the magnificent baton of conductor Valentin Uryupin.

Seeing The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet live is a strong reminder of why the art form has lasted the generations it has and kept its popularity. Every touch and sequin is considered and sumptuous, from the large extravagant sets to the tiniest details on the many tutus, nothing is presented without being carefully thought through, making for a wonderfully festive evening and a perfect Christmas treat for ballet lovers and newcomers everywhere.

THE NUTCRACKER and SWAN LAKE by The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet will be at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre until Sunday 9th December and there are still a few tickets left for some performances. Tickets priced €35 are available from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Box Office and bordgaisenergytheatre.ie. 

Story by EI Team | 09:00 | Thursday 6th December 2012 | Theatre

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