The Nutcracker | St Martin's Theatre

The Nutcracker, which has been reimagined and created by the award winning Little Bulb Theatre Company, is a festive feel good Christmas show for children. Written and devised by Clare Beresford, Dominic Conway and Alexander Scott, in collaboration with Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens, Caroline Patridge, Edith Tankus and Shamira Turner, and co-produced by the Polka Theatre. Directed by Scott, the 60 minute show is a firecracker of a festive children's show, delighting younger audiences. 

Siblings Clara (Lynch-Stevens) and Fritz (Conway) have recently moved into a rundown new home with their dad (Turner) following the passing of their mother. When their Aunt Hilda (Patridge) gifts them a Nutcracker to share, the siblings find themselves transformed into miniature versions of themselves and must defend themselves and their father's Christmas gift (A wheel of cheese, of course), from the evil Mouse King (Beresford). The two siblings must team up together to defeat the Mouse King. 

This production of The Nutcracker has transformed the classic piece into a modern day story that feels relatable. The two bickering siblings, along with the coping of the loss of their mother and the new move, allows for the show to access and explore emotional themes and to provide characters that feel fleshed out. The mouse king is first introduced in the pre-show, in their band with their four siblings "The Cheesy Five", allowing them to become a likeable and sympathetic character. Despite a short running time, the pacing of the piece never feels rushed and the adventure unfolds naturally. 

The Nutcracker is advertised as a children's Christmas show, and yet it does take on beloved pantomime antics, indulging the audience in the festive expectations. Beresford, who also appears as the Narrator, informs audiences that the show is relaxed, encouraging the young audience members to sing and shout along, and even get up and dance along if they so wish to. The cast occasionally slip into the audience or interact with them directly, causing more storms of gleeful laughter. Often referred to as "mice and big mice", the audience are thrown a cheeky (and cheesy) comment every so often. 

The Nutcracker is performed at St. Martin's Theatre, home of the long running The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, which writes the long running joke itself. Adults or "Big Mice" will take delight in the many puns, comments and moments of dramatic irony that this brings, culminating in an actual mousetrap prop being used in an action packed sequence. Paul and Sophie Brown (set and scenic art designers) have created an innovative concept that not only looks stunning on stage, but is also environmentally friendly. 

Cardboard boxes are used to create various locations, with the quick rearranging of stacks and labels and use of lights. Michael Douglas has created props that are gorgeous and detailed, most notably the Nutcracker itself. The wooden figure crackles with theatrical magic, so in touch with the original classic concept and yet innovative with its own modern touches. The recreation of props in two sizes helps denote the shrinking of the two children.

Joshua Pharo (lighting designer) has created moments of gorgeous tension with the use of Christmas decorative lighting, shadows and the light from the set and props. Sharon Tsang's sound design allows for the Mouse King to echo all over the theatre. However, the soft trickling of the Nutcracker's own soundtrack, gently interspersed with classic Christmas carols, to add a dramatic underscore is a beautiful touch. 

The show is careful to never underestimate its young audience, using jokes that has them laughing out loud (a massive poop prop is used to great effect), but also uses vocabulary and a plot that is educational. The company clearly understand their audience and they've created a show designed for them to mostly revel in, whilst also impressively creating a fantastic show in itself that has the adults almost as thrilled as well. The performers aren't afraid of being goofy and lean into the silliness of the costumes and characters, and yet remain committed and sincere in the storytelling elements of the show. 

Beresford and Conway are co-musical directors and have created a pre-show and post-show mini concert extravaganza of Christmas classics that help ease the kids into a morning show. Beresford also has a couple of musical numbers during the main show and showcases her own beautiful vocals. These numbers are over the top and has the villainous flair that makes them well placed in the piece. 

Turner is hilarious as the dad, often lost in his own world and is a gentle but stressed soul. Turner also appears as the Sugar Plum Fairy, bringing a jolt of sweetness to the show. Partridge is wonderful as Aunt Hilda, a cheery and bright personality on stage that is well contrasted with her other role as the mysterious Elder Mouse. 

Lynch-Stevens and Conway are believable as siblings, as they constantly poke, provoke and push one another around. Conway's endless energy and childish tendencies are entertaining to watch and Lynch-Stevens does a great job as the frustrated elder sibling. 

Beresford takes the crown as the show's standout performer. Beresford is utterly dynamic in the role, playing up every line to maximise the laughter, with a cheeky nod to the adults at every cheesy pun. Beresford is dazzling in the role.

The Nutcracker is a safe bet for any adult wanting to take their child to the theatre this Christmas, with a show that reminds audiences of the magic of The Nutcracker. The five member cast are all brilliant, and the production is ambitious and special, holding itself to a high standard. Whether you're an adult or a child, this show has something for everyone, and will leave you buzzing. 

The Nutcracker is playing at St. Martin's Theatre until 04th January 2026. 

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Steve Gregson