From the opening bars this is recognisably Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, but also something quite different: with Carlos Acosta’s Latin influences felt in the music before a single dance step.
When the dance does begin it is playful, rich, and beguiling. There is plentiful humour and warmth in the opening scenes as Clara (Laura Rodríguez) and her family prepare for Christmas – brother Fritz (Raúl Reinoso) is a particularly scampish delight. Their movements blend classical ballet steps with more natural forms, reflecting the casual family gathering; later we see things expressed with sharper lines, or with bolder modern movement.
Clara’s godfather (Alexander Varona) spices things up with a self-driving car, the magically growing Christmas tree, the life-sized animated dolls, and plenty more illusions besides. These are busy, beautiful, domestic scenes.
The first big set piece comes with Clara’s dream and the battle of the Rat King (Denzel Francis) and her beloved Nutcracker. It’s a bold, and frenetic scene, with the corps filling the stage with energy.
It soon morphs into probably the most stunning section of this production, as Clara and the Prince move into the forest and the Snow Waltz. Sometimes less is more, but here more is even more. Nina Dunn’s set and projections combine with Angelo Alberto’s costumes and Pepe Gavilondo Peon’s reimagined score to create something that resembles a Bond opening sequence as devised by Tim Burton and Danny Elfman. It is opulent, bigger than big, and choreographed and danced with bravado. It’s apparently only ever snowed once in Cuba, but by God I hope it looked even a fraction like this.
The second act receives a more traditional treatment as the international array of ‘sweets’ entertain Clara, though the music is reimagined with snatches of bass funk, prog rock guitar, and 80s keyboard.
There’s much to enjoy throughout, but Amisaday Naara and Chay Davis particular impress with the sultry Arab Dance; and Elizabeth Tablada, Frank Isaac, and Thalía Cardín deliver a Mirlitons Dance as delectable as a boozy trifle.
The spell eventually has to break, and Clara wakes back at home, with just a fleeting glimpse of her dreamland companions, and the old toy nutcracker left behind.
It’s a joyous production, and we’re blessed that it premiered in Norwich. Acosta has provided a unique take on a Christmas tradition, with a creative team and cast that ensures it comes to life as a sensational spectacle.
- Nutcracker in Havana is at Norwich Theatre Royal until 3 November 2024, then touring nationally.
