The award-winning English Youth Ballet makes its first visit to Lighthouse Poole to present a magical production of The Nutcracker on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November.
International principal dancers will lead an exciting cast of 100 young local dancers selected for the spectacular production of one of the world’s most popular ballets.
After a young girl, Clara, is given a nutcracker doll for Christmas the story follows her magical dream in which the nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince. Together, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince embark on an exciting and dangerous adventure in which must defeat the seven-headed Mouse King if they are to begin their magical journey and travel together through the Snow Forest to reach their destination – the glittering palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of the Sweets.
The adaptation has been created by director, Miss Janet Lewis and her team of international principal artists who coach the young dancers and the choreography is adapted from Marius Petipa’s exquisite original. Much of Tchaikowsky’s beautiful orchestral score to the ballet will be instantly recognised featuring well-loved classics such as the stirring Waltz of the Flowers and the sparkling Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The stage designs for the ballet are by Sebastian Petit and the costume designs are by Keith Bish.
Now in its 28th year, EYB is one of the UK’s largest ballet companies and previously won The Stage Award for special achievement in regional theatre.
EYB principal dancers are of the highest calibre and have joined from companies such as Santiago Ballet, Ballet Capitole du Toulouse, English National Ballet and Ballet Cymru. There are now former EYB young performers in some of the world’s best companies – including the Royal Ballet.
The young performers are some of the top talents from the area and a team of more than 30 chaperones is required to look after them at Lighthouse.
Fun Facts:
The cast of The Nutcracker will rehearse for 60 hours for the production.
EYB worked with over 600 young dancers across the UK in 2025.
Over 1,500 young dancers auditioned for the opportunity to perform with EYB last year.
There are approximately 250 costumes required for The Nutcracker.
There are over 50 pairs of pointe shoes, 60 pairs of soft ballet shoes and 30 pairs of character shoes required in the ballet.
EYB have six full-length ballets in their repertory – Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella in Hollywood)
EYB have five professional technical staff who tour to each theatre and ensure that the sets/costumes/lights/sound are of the highest professional calibre.
The female principals require at least two different pairs of pointe shoes for each performance.
:: Tickets available now at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/english-youth-ballet-the-nutcracker/ and on 01202 280000.