Review of Nutcracker in Havana at Norwich Theatre Royal: City lucky to host world premiere of legendary Royal Ballet star Carlos Acosta’s first full-length production

Nutcracker in Havana - Theatre Royal, Norwich

So how lucky are we to have the world premiere of legendary Royal Ballet star Carlos Acosta’s first full-length production? Exactly!

Carlos is both the artistic director and choreographer of the Nutcracker in Havana, performed by his talented Acosta Danza company, and it just about sums up everything about the man - and dancer.

He has moved this much loved and super traditional ballet with its mighty Tchaikovsky score to his Motherland - Cuba - and, in the process, offers us a very hot, pacey and fun piece.

At around two hours long, it is just the right length to maintain interest and tempo, and does follow the original storyline of young Clara receiving a doll, and entering its magical fairytale world. But this production has plenty of added oomph.

For a start the music has been rearranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo to include an underlying Latin rhythm, with much use made of flutes, a piccolo and even a bass guitar.

And the dancing reflects this fresh approach, blending both classical movements with more traditional Cuban steps to provide a really joyous piece which should appeal to a new generation of dance lovers.

It is very much an ensemble piece, with the young dancers, all from Cuba, working hard, but mention should go to Laura Rodriguez as Clara for her delightful performance.

Carlos was in the audience on Friday night and his show, produced by Norwich Theatre, received a standing ovation. It tours nationwide after its Norwich run, which concluded at the weekend.

Visit www.norwichtheatre.org for details of other shows in Norwich.

Review by Sarah Hardy