The Nutcracker returns to the Hippodrome for Sir Peter Wright's centenary

Birmingham Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker is returning to Birmingham Hippodrome this Christmas, in a special year for the production as its creator, Sir Peter Wright, celebrates his 100th birthday.

The ballet runs from 20 November to 12 December, with snowflakes, swordfights, magic and a 30-foot Christmas tree. This year marks the company's 36th season performing Sir Peter's production in the city.

"Some of them for the very first time"

Carlos Acosta, the company's director, said: "Every year I delight in seeing generations come together to enjoy this magical production, some of them for the very first time, and some in a long tradition of enjoying our glorious Nutcracker every festive season."

"This season is made even more special as we celebrate the 100th birthday of our founding director laureate, Sir Peter Wright. His production of The Nutcracker is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world and can only be found in Birmingham this Christmas."

Clara and the King Rat

The story follows Clara, who is given a mysterious nutcracker doll at her parents' Christmas party. When the guests have gone, she creeps downstairs at midnight on Christmas Eve to find it, and comes face to face with the fearsome King Rat, who does battle with the Nutcracker and his toy soldiers. Once the King Rat is defeated, Clara is swept away on a magical journey.

Tchaikovsky's score is played live by the 60-strong Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and the performance lasts about two hours and ten minutes, including intervals.

The cast includes the company's principal dancers Céline Gittens and Momoko Hirata, alongside Yu Kurihara, Sofia Liñares, Miki Mizutani, Katherine Ochoa, Beatrice Parma and many more.

Accessible performances

As in previous years, the run includes audio-described, signed and relaxed performances. Relaxed performances are designed for people who may find a traditional theatre setting difficult, including some autistic people and those with learning disabilities, with a more relaxed attitude to noise and movement in the auditorium.

A Birmingham tradition

For many families in Birmingham, a trip to The Nutcracker at the Hippodrome has become as much a part of Christmas as the German market. Sir Peter's production, which has its origins in the 1990s when the company moved to Birmingham from London, is known for its lavish sets and costumes and its magical transformation scenes.

Birmingham Royal Ballet describes itself as the UK's leading touring ballet company, and the Hippodrome on Hurst Street is its home theatre. Cast lists for each performance and tickets are available on the company's website.

Tickets for the most popular dates, especially weekend matinees in December, usually sell quickly, and the company advises booking early to avoid disappointment.