The Nutcracker at Liverpool Empire

Andrew Anderson
Image courtesy of English National Ballet

The Nutcracker at Liverpool Empire Theatre, City Centre 29 November — 3 December 2016 Tickets 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.

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

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.

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 alongside St George’s Hall, Walker Art Gallery and World Museum.

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.

City Centre
Theatre
Liverpool Playhouse

The Liverpool Playhouse theatre retains much of its 1911 structure, and has a varied programme of events from a rock’n’roll panto, to live poetry and comedy.

Liverpool
Restaurant
Bacino

Bacino pizza and cicchetti bring a slice of Naples cuisine to Liverpool. With tasty dishes and lots of drinks options.

What's on: Families

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry
The cast of 42 Balloons at The Lowry
Until
TheatreMediaCityUK
42 Balloons at The Lowry

A remarkable true-story with a toe-tapping ’80s soundtrack, be lifted to new heights with this eagerly anticipated world premiere.

from £29.50

Culture Guides

Festival-goers at Green Island
Music in Manchester and the North

Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.