NORTHERN BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER LEEDS REVIEW
SATURDAY 3RD JANUARY 2026 @ 2.00PM
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
It’s my first post of 2026, along with my first show of 2026 too. Northern Ballet are one of my favourite ballet companies, not only because they’re based in Leeds! Their productions have always been top-notch, from the dancers themselves to the set design, lighting, and costuming. Here’s my 2026 post on Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker Leeds review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
According to my Google Calendar, I last saw this production in November 2018, but I swear I’ve seen it more recently than that! I’d also seen on their social media that some of the choreography in the second act was updated, which is always exciting for a ballet!
THE CAST
Every single member of this cast is outstanding, from the lead roles to the corps. Our Clara for the afternoon is Julie Nunes, and it’s a very physically demanding role. Nunes is on stage more than any other character and spends a large chunk of that time dancing. She’s such an emotive dancer that you genuinely feel her excitement through her movement as well as her face.
Her Nutcracker Prince, Albert González Orts, also has a beautiful presence on stage, floating around effortlessly through the choreography. Of course, he’s an incredible partner for Nunes, but he definitely stands out on his own too.
As always, the Sugar Plum Fairy is a highlight for all, and Amber Lewis might be one of the best that I’ve ever seen. Firstly, her technique is out of this world, but similarly to Nunes, it’s her acting that really drew me in. She just had this energy about her from her exceptional feet to her beautiful smile. Her pas de deuxs with Jackson Dwyer were simply breathtaking, but they both stood out during their solo pieces, too.
A highlight for many in the audience, both old and young, was the Mouse King, played by Jun Ishii. Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy might bring the beauty, but the Mouse King brings the entertainment. He’s only on stage for a matter of minutes, but he’s the memorable part! I love that whilst his ballet technique is amazing, Ishii gets to play with the character a little, adding plenty of sass to the role.
THE PRODUCTION
I was thrilled when I walked into the auditorium to find that there was a live orchestra, I was over the moon. The last couple of Northern Ballet shows that I’ve seen have been with a recording, and whilst the music is incredible, nothing beats live music! Tchaikovsky’s score fills the room and deserves to do so, especially with Yi Wei conducting it.
However, the highlight for me has to be the choreography. David Nixon has truly outdone himself, and the new choreo in the second act is sublime. I love that it’s not changed into five elements, rather than nationalities, as it feels much more current. The Wind pas de trois was a particular highlight for me.
The set design was simple, with just a few set pieces and backdrops, but it allows the dancing to take centre stage, which is the whole point of a ballet. I love that Northern always allows their performers to add a little bit of themselves to the roles as well, unlike some other ballet companies. The costuming is also exceptional, adding plenty of vibrancy to the stage.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Nutcracker is the quintessential ballet for people of all ages, and Northern Ballet’s is one of the best versions. This updated version is so special, and the cast, together with the new choreography, really lifts the show to new heights. Remember, The Nutcracker isn’t just for Christmas!
If you enjoyed Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker Leeds review, you can find my other theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
