Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker! comes to Liverpool

by Elizabeth Horsfall. Published Tue 29 Nov 2011 18:59

Heralded choreographer and director Matthew Bourne is bringing his production of The Nutcracker to the Liverpool Empire in January.

A contemporary presentation of the traditional Tchaikovsky ballet, Nutcracker! celebrates its 20th year with a record breaking run at 21 major UK venues.

To mark the occasion, Bourne has introduced fresh faces from his company New Adventures, alongside returning members of the show who he hopes will help to encourage the young dancers.

Bourne said: “With popular productions such as Nutcracker! now returning to New Adventures’ repertoire on a regular basis, it seems only right to develop and nurture the incredible young talent that we have in the company by giving them bigger opportunities and challenges.

“I am, though, delighted to say that the cast includes our original Clara from 1992, Etta Murfitt, who along with several other New Adventures veterans, will guide and inspire the younger cast members.”

The 2012 tour sees some promising new additions – having recently completed a two year stint as Baby in the West End production of Dirty Dancing, Hannah Vassallo will take on the role of Clara.

Making his debut to New Adventures is Liam Mower, the youngest ever recipient of a Lawrence Olivier award and London’s first Billy Elliot.

Bourne has wowed audiences and critics alike with his take on classics like Cinderella; and the ground-breaking, all male cast of Swan Lake which received a showering of awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 1996.

Nutcracker! runs from 24th – 28th January at the Liverpool Empire and tickets are available from the box office, by calling 0844 871 3017 or online at www.atgtickets.com/liverpool