The Russian State Ballet and Opera House burst onto the King’s Theatre Stage, Portsmouth with its vibrant new production of The Nutcracker on Sunday, November 16.

The Nutcracker became one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions, and perhaps the most popular ballet in the world.

Certainly, there are no scores more successful in supporting the full range of ballet than those by Tchaikovsky.

The romance and verve with which Tchaikovsky infused classical dancing makes his scores unsurpassed to his day.

Accompanying this performance is a large live orchestra of over 30 musicians to maintain an exuberance of performance.

Producer Alexej Ignatow explains what makes his company so unique: “We stand out because we pay attention to detail and put a lot of effort into choosing the best artists.

“I know that there are many companies that come together just to tour in the UK, but we only focus on working with established theatres in the Russian Federation. With Russian ballet, you get passion!

“This year, we have chosen to work with the world-famous Russian State Ballet and Opera Theatre of Komi that have delighted audiences since 1958, and are renowned for their ballet and opera masterpieces.

“The Russian State Ballet and Opera House was founded to represent quality and passion for ballet and opera at the highest level.

“We pride ourselves in bringing over from Russia a new theatre company and production every year, with much that is original to them. That way people get a new experience. Of course, the music is the same but the sets, costumes, artists and staging will be completely different.

“It will feel like a different show altogether, but still with the same high level of quality.”

Alexej Ignatow added: “We feel everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy ballet in their lifetime, which is why we are dedicated to presenting full and positive new productions in regional theatres. We want to give the opportunity to local audiences to experience these classics, give them great pleasure and inspire them to want more.

“There is a misconception that you need to understand music or ballet to enjoy them but it is really for everyone. All these incredible performances are self-explanatory and you could be assured of falling in love with ballet.”

“The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is a gem for the Russian cultural traditions, bringing as they do the passion and vibrancy of Russian character to one of the most well-known ballets.

“It is an opportunity for ballet lovers to see The Nutcracker as never before with an established and long standing Russian theatre that continues to grow on the international stage and win awards in the field of opera and ballet, and is an unmissable treat for the whole family.”

It is remarkable how much of the music audiences are already familiar with, such as The Spanish Dance, The Arabian Dance, The Russian Dance, The Chinese Dance, The Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, making this one of the most highly accessible ballets.

  • The Russian State Ballet and Opera House visits Portsmouth, Kings Theatre on Sunday at 7.30 pm Tickets start at £30 – concessions available.

For more information and booking, visit ballet-tickets.com.