The Nutcracker at Pentameters Theatre

The Nutcracker at Pentameters Theatre

16 December, 2010
by: JessiChandler

The Nutcracker at Pentameters Theatre - like a weird dream

First written as a novelette called ‘The Nutcracker and Mouse King’ in 1814 by German Romantic author E.T.A. Hoffmann, his classic story was certainly far stranger and more gothic than the Christmassy one we know today. So it’s to be applauded that theatre company Butterflywheels convey this well and stay true to the original with their production at Pentameters Theatre.

Thing is, having seen the show, I now feel like I've woken up from a really weird dream. I dreamt that I went to the theatre to see The Nutcracker. There's no Sugar Plum Fairy anywhere in sight, and instead there are three scary mice dancing to techno and hip hop to show just how bad ass they are.

There are harlequin dolls and clockwork dolls, who perform an unrequited love dance to '80s, Kate Bush-style pop music. Then the techno mice and the '80s goth dolls have an awkward slow-motion showdown while the audience sit in uncomfortable silence. But this is no dream. In reality this Nutcracker is much weirder, more gothic, and with way too much awkward dancing.

There are some nice touches and sweet surprises in this show that pay homage to the original story. But there's also a great deal of clumsy dancing and stilted dialogue. The earnestness from the performers prevents you from laughing out loud and it's hard to really enjoy the show.

I just can’t quite decide what kind of audience this is meant for. Kids I imagine would probably love it, with all the fun costumes, scary mice and a rich and lively set that does a lot in a narrow space. But the themes of teenage fantasy and romance, interspersed with arty black and white films, are perhaps a bit too grown up. The Punch and Judy, for example – a warped relationship rich with things to explore – is not funny or brutal enough for kids to enjoy and is left under-explored for adults to appreciate.

That said, there is some great acting. Aniko Kalman gives a stand-out performance as creepy old man, Godfather Drosselmeyer, and Lauren Munisamy, as young Marie, does well to convey fantasy and romance mixed with youthful innocence. Meanwhile Caroline Ott, as The Mouse King, is the perfect villain.

London is a tough critic, simply because of the sheer volume of performances played out across its venues every night. I hope The Nutcracker finds a niche with some very alternative families or teenagers. We'll see.

The Nutcracker is on at Pentameters Theatre until 6th January

Check out more London Fringe
Check out Theatre in London
Check out Things To Do in London

JessiChandler