CHRISTMAS is coming so it must be time for that seasonal ballet favourite The Nutcracker. However, the production at Southampton's Mayflower theatre is one with a difference.

English National Ballet's artistic director Derek Deane has given the Victorian tale of a young girl's Christmas dream a contemporary twist. The party in Act One is set in the modern day complete with presents of Barbie and Michael Jackson dolls plus a guest who manages to dance with a mobile phone clamped to her ear.

"Is this really ballet?" I wondered as the female dancers twirled on high heels but traditionalists need not fear as things take a more orthodox turn when the enchantment of Clara's fantasy world takes over.

The sets are breathtakingly beautiful, framed like Christmas gifts in a huge golden bow, and the choreography incorporates ambitious new ideas which work well.

Deane himself takes the role of Clara's mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer and he proceeds to conduct events with a masterful touch.

Alice Crawford is an assured Clara projecting the exuberance and innocence of youth. There is also a splendid cameo from Yat Sen Chang who reaches fantastic heights with his Russian dancing.

Erina Takahashi (pictured) won huge applause for her Sugar Plum Fairy and I particularly loved the little mice whose scampering dancing brings humour to what can be quite a scary scene.

The Nutcracker can be seen at the Mayflower until Saturday. Don't miss the chance to taste this Christmas feast.