THIS IS LONDON NOVEMBER EDITION 2025 - Flipbook - Page 36
Photos: Johan Persson
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THE NUTCRACKER AT THE LONDON
COLISEUM
This Christmas, English National
Ballet invites audiences to feel more with
its magical production of Nutcracker.
Continuing a cherished tradition, this
refreshed version of the festive classic
returns after a sold-out premiere last
year, seen by over 90,000 people.
Co-choreographed by Artistic
Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier
Award-winner Arielle Smith, Nutcracker
blends timeless tradition with fresh
energy and colour – welcoming both
long-time fans and first-time attenders
into the magic.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score,
performed live by English National Ballet
Philharmonic under Music Director
Maria Seletskaja, the production features
over 100 dancers and musicians. With
stunning sets and costumes by Dick
Bird and lighting by Paul Pyant, every
performance is a feast for the senses.
Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin,
said: ‘Nutcracker has always been at the
heart of English National Ballet’s season.
Its combination of tradition and wonder
create a truly enchanting experience for
audiences of all ages. We’re thrilled to
bring it back this Christmas and invite
everyone to feel the joy, magic and
emotion that Nutcracker inspires.’
Nutcracker follows Clara on her
fantastical journey of discovery – from
the streets of Edwardian London,
through a dazzling ice realm, to a grand
celebration arranged by the Sugar Plum
Fairy in the Land of Sweets and
Delights.
As part of its commitment to creating
engaging, inclusive experiences, English
National Ballet also offers a series of
associated events including a Relaxed
Performance on 8 January, dynamic
drawing, on-stage ballet classes,
backstage tours (BSL-interpreted) and
family workshops.
Charles Holloway OBE is the Lead
Supporter of Nutcracker.
For tickets, visit the website at
www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker
VIBRANCE, A NEW FREE FESTIVAL
OF LIGHT AND SOUND
Guildhall Production Studio,
Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s
award-winning service for performance
and technical innovation, are to present
Vibrance, a brand-new free festival of
light and sound illuminating the heart of
the City of London in January 2026.
On 29 & 30 January, Vibrance
transforms the City of London, in
partnership with Culture Mile Business
Improvement District and the City of
London Corporation's Culture Team,
creating unforgettable encounters with
light, sound and live performance.
Historic landmarks, hidden gardens and
striking façades are reimagined with
colour, music and storytelling.
For two nights only, this event brings
together artists, designers and
performers from Guildhall School to
reimagine five iconic locations within the
Culture Mile after dark, inviting
audiences to rediscover the City’s
architectural treasures in a whole new
light, and bring warmth and wonder to
the winter evenings.
BLACK GRAPE AT ELECTRIC
BRIXTON
Black Grape are set to ignite Electric
Brixton on 13 December, with doors
opening at 18:30 for what promises to
be a vibrant and nostalgic night. As part
of their It’s Great When You’re Straight...
Yeah! @ 30 tour, the band are
celebrating 30 years of their
groundbreaking debut album, a record
that fused funk, hip-hop, indie and
dance into something entirely their own.
Shaun Ryder and Kermit remain a
magnetic duo, and fans can expect a
lively, groove-heavy set filled with
classics, chaotic energy and the sharp
humour that has always defined their
performances. Supporting them are
Dodgy, whose upbeat, melodic Brit-pop
sound provides a perfectly balanced
opening, setting the tone for an evening
of celebration and feel-good anthems.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
