There is some music from the Russian ballet on which this production is very loosely based but this is otherwise a substantial rework. Herr Stahlbaum, or, in this version, just Dad (Shamira Turner), is on a modest income, and has moved into a ‘dilapidated’ house, which at least justifies the mice infestation. The audience, having been treated (or, if you are so inclined, subjected) to some festive tunes before the show proper starts – ‘Whamageddon’ participants beware – assumes the role of mice. Very passive mice, mind you, but there is a point to it, and all is made clear.
A more than viable alternative to the various pantomimes during the festive season, this version of The Nutcracker has a decent amount of audience involvement. In essence, it’s a happy hybrid between drama and pantomime: the evil Mouse King (Clare Beresford) – think Animal Farm – was booed having made their intentions clear. There were regular check-ins with the audience (the target age range is 5 to 12 years), and direct questions asked of them. Should X help Y? Should Dad’s daughter Clara (Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens) go big or go home? Should there be teamwork between Clara and her brother Fritz (Dominic Conway)? Personally, I was much amused by the one or two rogue children in the audience who liked to go against the grain, and the Narrator (also Beresford) did well to acknowledge the more rambunctious replies to the various questions.
There are ultimately no surprises as good triumphs over evil, and the Mouse King has a Scrooge-like conversion, albeit without the need to be visited by ghosts and have their past life scrutinised. But this is a vibrant and imaginative show that appeals both to the younger members of the audience and the slightly older ones who brought them to the theatre. A good amount of actor-musicianship adds to the live theatrical experience. Without being too instructive, the production demonstrates what it means to reap the benefits of hard work and co-operation. I daresay the slicing of a giant turd “with the sword of justice” is worth the price of a ticket all by itself.
Review by Chris Omaweng
A festive, magical quest for the whole family.
When squabbling siblings Clara and Fritz receive a mysterious Nutcracker toy from their flamboyant Aunty Drosselmeyer, Clara is certain that she doesn’t want her accident-prone younger brother anywhere near it!
But with rumours of an evil many-headed Mouse King trying to ruin Christmas in their new family home, Clara might just need the help of Fritz to save the day.
CAST
Fritz – Dominic Conway
Clara – Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens
Narrator, Mouse King – Clare Beresford
Aunty Drosselmeyer, Elder Mouse – Caroline Partridge
Dad, Sugar Plum Fairy – Shamira Turner
Understudies – Iain Gibbons and Rose Charmaine Camacho
CREATIVE
Director (Little Bulb) Alex Scott
Co-Musical Director (Little Bulb) Clare Beresford
Co-Musical Director (Little Bulb) Dominic Conway
Producer (Little Bulb) Emily Davis
Set & Costume Designer Sam Wilde
Lighting Designer Joshua Pharo
Sound Designer Sharon Tsang
THE NUTCRACKER
Reimagined and created by Little Bulb
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
16 November 2024 to 26 January 2025
