Dance / The Nutcracker. At Canberra Theatre Centre, until December 14. Reviewed by SAMARA PURNELL.

After a procession of characters danced past, the curtain lifted to “oohs” from the audience. The sparkling Christmas tree and huge presents set the scene for richly-dressed families to arrive. 

The ensemble of children and adults in the opening scenes on Christmas Eve were exquisite, with an expressive cast, clever choreography and charming nuances. “Nanna” was very entertaining as she enjoyed several stashed glasses of Christmas cheer. The children were caught up in delight, excitement, fighting and mischief making.

Clara (Emilia Bignami) is tormented relentlessly by her brother Fritz, performed brilliantly by 14-year-old Charlie Duwner, from the Newcastle Dance Academy. Duwner’s performance commanded attention with his impressive skill, characterisation and confidence. He also danced beautifully in a lovely trio as a Merliton.

Life-sized dolls intrigued the children and allowed some lovely interplay between them. Drosselmeyer’s gift to Clara of the Nutcracker doll intrigued everyone and as eve creeps towards midnight, Clara falls asleep in front of the Christmas tree with her new toy.

As the Christmas tree reaches new heights, the anticipation of the transformation of the Nutcracker and the thrill of his appearance remains, regardless of how many times or versions of the ballet have been enjoyed. Joel Burke was revealed as the Nutcracker in this performance.

The Soldiers’ duel with the Rats and a strikingly-dressed Rat King was startlingly brief and laugh-out-loud funny with a rat-shooting, white-flag surrender and CPR in a blink-and-you’ll-miss it scene.

The ensuing pas de deux between Clara and the Nutcracker saw them execute beautiful lifts, with Clara throwing herself into them with youthful exuberance. Burke danced with confidence and strength, gracing the stage with impressive elevation and double cabriole derrieres that appeared to hang in the air.

As the familiar strains of The Nutcracker Suite play, it’s impossible not to smile as a tingle of familiarity, comfort and happiness takes over.

“Snow” ballerinas in white tulle and diamond tiaras fill the stage as a midnight mist whisks the Nutcracker and Clara towards the Kingdom of Sweets.

The second act reveals kitsch giant strawberry milkshakes and cakes painted on the wings and curtains and two huge chairs for Clara and the Nutcracker to observe the procession of exotic dancers.

Spanish dancers (hot chocolate) and Mirlitons perform. Beguiling and acrobatically flexible guest artist, dancer and actress Juliet Doherty (who stars in several Netflix dance movies) as Arabian coffee was a highlight, with a captivating display of daring lifts. Jonathon Carmichael (who is the alternate Nutcracker) as the Russian candy cane showcased incredible straddle jumps.

The coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy was danced delicately by Abbey Hansen, who was captivating and sweet. Surprisingly, she was costumed in a white, decorated tutu, rather than the traditional pink or lilac, to match the Prince.

When she is carried on by the ensemble, a wave of emotion hits. The solos and pas de deux with guest artist Ervin Zagidullin as the Prince provided some of the highlights of the show. The petite couple were just lovely. Their spins and turns were performed with such pace and joy that in a couple of instances they did well to hang on to them.

Zaigidullin, along with the rest of the male cast, impressed with their leaps and spins.

As Clara’s dream concludes and she awakes with her Nutcracker toy under the tree, the ballet ends swiftly, with a beautiful frame of Clara raising her toy in the snow as the lights fade.

The entire ensemble performed with joy and expressiveness, in a ballet where the cast gets to smile and play. The recorded music could have been slightly louder to fill the theatre with the crescendos in the instantly and widely recognised motifs of Tchaikovsky’s score.

Big Live’s company mission is to blend top international and local talent, engaging new and seasoned ballet lovers through accessible performances, using innovative storytelling and choreography.

Big Live founder Joel Burke adapted this choreography from Marius Petipa and has presented a beloved Christmas tradition with all the idyllic, pretty magic of Christmas Eve.

This delightful production was enjoyed by all ages, who came dressed in ballet-inspired outfits, ready to bask in nostalgia and introduce the next generation to the magic that is The Nutcracker.