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Episode 25 December 2025

Christmas comes to life in this enchanting production from ballet legend Sir Peter Wright, delighting a packed audience at Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House.\n\nThis seasonal classic is a dazzling showcase, following magician Herr Drosselmeyer’s quest to save his nephew, Hans-Peter, who has been transformed into a nutcracker doll by the wicked Queen of the Mice. The only way to break the spell is for the Nutcracker to defeat the Mouse King and find a girl to love and care for him. A flicker of hope comes to Drosselmeyer at the Stahlbaum’s Christmas party in the form of his goddaughter, Clara. With a swish of Drosselmeyer’s cape and a little bit of magic, a cosy festive gathering turns into a marvellous adventure.\n\nCreated by Sir Peter Wright for the company in 1984, this definitive staging has become a treasured part of the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Christmas tradition. Celebrated for its breathtaking choreography, stunning period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman and the unmatched magic of Tchaikovsky’s score, this production captures all the wonder and warmth of the festive season.

Source: BBC 2