The Nutcracker at Liverpool Empire

The Nutcracker at Liverpool Empire Theatre, City Centre, 29 November–3 December 2016, from £13.90 - Book now

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.