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Nutcracker in Havana

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 4 Published: 20 Nov 2025 Richmond Theatre (Ambassador Theatre Group) Show Dates: 18 Nov 2025-22 Nov 2025

It’s Nutcracker time of year, and for those who fancy a novel take on Tchaikovsky’s original, Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana is currently on tour. On a chilly November evening, the Victorian Baroque splendour of Richmond Theatre stands in sharp contrast to the opening video projections of life in the heat of Cuba and the forested area where the show is set.

Their obvious enjoyment is infectious, and it’s a thrill.

Pepe Gavilondo’s arrangement of the original score retains the most famous and popular tunes in clearly recognisable form, while other sections are given more varied interpretations. What dominates are the rhythms and sounds of Caribbean music, along with heavy use of woodwind and brass. Modern post-jazz age and regional sounds are assimilated into the score, and while there is ample, perfectly executed classical ballet, no opportunity is missed to incorporate contemporary styles that provide freedom of movement and a more relaxed feel. While not in the league of La Fille Mal Gardée, there are even numbers featuring wooden-soled shoes and a maypole to add to the festive village atmosphere. Clearly relishing the light-hearted fun of this piece are members of Acosta Danza Yunior. Their obvious enjoyment is infectious, and it’s a thrill to see the next generation’s passion and talent on display.

Meanwhile, the well-established Alejandro Silva gives a commanding performance as the Prince, acting as a master of ceremonies and calling forth dancers to perform their set pieces for Carla (Adria Diaz) after the main story has unfolded in Act 1. Alexander Verona delivers a delightful character performance as Drosselmeyer. The second half dances are the highlight of the evening, however.

Amisaday Naara is enchanting as the Sugar Plum Fairy, alongside Melisa Mordera and Alexander Arias as the lead Flower couple. The scenes follow in rapid succession as the entertainment builds up. The Four Cooks (Aniel Pazos, Noel Sánchez, Edgar Quintero, and Anthony Quevedo) provide a light-hearted interlude. The Spanish Dance is delivered with Iberian passion by Thalia Cardin and Frank Junior, while Ofelia Rodriguez and Paul Brando provide a contrasting set of rhythms in the Arabian Dance. The light, almost comic orchestration of the Mirlitons is given appropriate treatment by Wendy Friol, Cynthia Garceran, and Aniel Pazos. The world tour continues with dances that reflect their places of origin, energetically executed by Leandro Fernandez and Edgar Quintero in the Chinese Dance, and Adria Diaz and Brandy Martinez in the Russian Dance.

It all makes for a delightfully light-hearted entertainment in a seasonal wonderland.

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The Blurb:

A Cuban take on the favourite festive classic, the production explodes onto the stage, featuring new choreography by Carlos Acosta CBE and performed by more than 20 dancers from his Cuban company, Acosta Danza.

Set to an exuberant Cuban newly commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo, the timeless story is brought to life with ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza’s unique style and with Cuban dance traditions beautifully woven throughout the much-loved and joyful family tale.

Join Clara in her humble home in Havana, getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her family. The beer cans are on the tree and Cuba is suitably hot. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll she embarks on the journey of a lifetime, to defeat the Rat King and into the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy accompanied by her Nutcracker Prince.

With spectacular video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9to5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde, BRB’s Don Quixote), Cuba collides with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana. With lighting by Andrew Exeter (Oti Mabuse: I Am Here, The Full Monty UK Tour, Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo) and costumes by Angelo Alberto (costume designer for Goyo Montero’s ‘Imponderable’ and Raul Reinoso’s ‘Satori’ with Acosta Danza) Nutcracker in Havana is a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.

For dance fans around the globe, Carlos is an international superstar of the classical ballet world. Born in Havana and trained at the National School of Ballet in Cuba, he went on to dance professionally with the world’s most prestigious companies, with London’s Royal Ballet becoming his home. Having tackled huge titles throughout his career, from Carmen to Don Quixote, Nutcracker in Havana is an opportunity for Acosta to fuse this festive treat with a little Havana heat.