The Nutcracker at Liverpool Empire

Andrew Anderson

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The Nutcracker

29 November-3 December 2016

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Image courtesy of English National Ballet
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The Nutcracker has a pretty unique place in the performing arts world – no other discipline relies quite so heavily on one single show to sustain it. In fact, many ballet companies pretty much live of the profits they make from their annual production of The Nutcracker.

Quite why this is I couldn’t say, but what I do know is that English National Ballet stage a strong rendition of this Christmas story (having watched it myself a few seasons ago). Add this to your Christmas tradition and you won’t be disappointed: it really is a special piece, with enchanting dancing and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music.

In case you’ve never seen it (shame on you) the Nutcracker is a magical doll that comes to life on Christmas Eve, much to the amazement of a young girl called Clara. The two set off on an adventure that takes in balloon rides, a meeting with a Mouse King and much more besides.

Where to go near The Nutcracker at Liverpool Empire

City Centre
Theatre
Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre stages mostly home-grown comedies, somewhat mannered and self-conscious reflections of an inward-looking city.

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City Centre
Hotel
The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel offers accommodation in style, with comfort, luxury and a seasonal menu in a central Liverpool location.

library
Liverpool
Shop
Henry Bohn Books

Prepare to do some browsing and digging – this second hand bookshop is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered

Liverpool Central Library
City Centre
Library
Liverpool Central Library

The final building in the World Heritage Site of William Brown Street to be revamped, the wonderfully restored Central Library takes pride of place in Liverpool’s architecturally stunning Cultural Quarter.

City Centre
Gallery
Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery is a small but perfectly formed traditional gallery. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative art from 13th century to present day. 

O2 Academy music venue in Liverpool.
City Centre
Music venue
O2 Academy Liverpool

O2 Academy Liverpool (formerly the L2 and Carling Academy Liverpool) boasts two performance areas that host live music and clubnights.

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