The Nutcracker set to bring Christmas alive at Bristol Old Vic

The Christmas blockbuster from Bristol Old Vic is always an eagerly anticipated show in the city’s cultural calendar.

For many, it’s an unmissable chance to get together with loved ones for that sprinkling of Christmas magic that theatre can do so well. And if advanced ticket sales for The Nutcracker are anything to go by, this year will be no different for the oldest theatre in the English-speaking world.

In his last season as artistic director, Tom Morris has written an adaptation of the festive fairytale that for many, is synonymous with classical ballet, and Tchaikovsky’s memorable score.

This version is billed as “a wild theatrical re-telling” of the story, with an all-new soundtrack provided by composer and musical director Gwyneth Herbert – who also appears as Queen Rat – joined by on-stage musicians Harry Bird and James Gow.

The story begins on Christmas Eve, when Claire is given the gift of a nutcracker, and a magical adventure unfolds, with excitement, and “show-stopping dance numbers” promised along the way.

In a break from rehearsals, Tristan Sturrock, who plays the mysterious clockmaker Mr Choke, and Kirris Rivieré, who plays both Martin and King Sausage, shared their insights on the forthcoming production with Bristol24/7:

Do you have personal memories of The Nutcracker, from childhood and/or previous theatrical or ballet productions?

TB: “The only memory I have of the Nutcracker is the old Cadbury’s fruit and nut chocolate bar advert on the telly in the 70s, which I found out much, much later was the music to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.”

KR: “To be totally honest, no. I only envisioned the ballet version, so was extremely relieved to discover this was a theatrical adaptation.”

Kirris Rivieré and Guy Hughes in rehearsal for The Nutcracker at Bristol Old Vic – photo: Geraint Lewis

In what ways does this interpretation of the story differ from other iterations people may have seen?

TB: “Our interpretation is set in a modern world, that could be now, but as the story really takes off, I wouldn’t want to spoil any surprises. There’s a lot of brilliant new music in our version, as well as some of the original if you’re good at spotting tunes.”

KR: “To use the quote from the show ‘it’s a Christmas show with teeth’, and by jingles the pace of the show goes at lightening speed. Set in modern times in a family setting, it’s tackling some really interesting issues about the era we live in.”

Tristan Sturrock – photo: Geraint Lewis

How do you think the cast and crew will gel together in rehearsals?

TB: “The rehearsal time is so quick there’s no time to think about anything other than the story. The cast and crew are brilliant and have gelled together instantly I’d say. Everyone is super nice, and the story is billy bonkers!”

KR: “I would say it’s all about the relationships of the characters we play and our common goal through the enjoyment of telling good dynamic stories. Also it’s about finding the things that are relatable to us as actors.”

Tristan Sturrock and Mae Munuo – photo: Geraint Lewis

What is the process by which you explore, and lend depth to your character(s)?

TB: “When I’m developing a character for a show like this, I like to keep every idea about them open right until the end of the run! It’s always changing. But for The Nutcracker, I started with his voice.”

KR: “Each character from any story has a want and need, a goal to achieve, especially in great stories like this one. The homework we do as actors is finding out what those wants and needs are, the obvious and not so obvious ones.”

Kirris Rivieré and Guy Hughes – photo: Geraint Lewis

Can you put into words the magic of a family show, told at Christmas?

TB: “Ooh tricky!! The moment just before the lights go down at the start of a Christmas show, that’s the magic bit for me!”

KR: “It’s about collaboration and a celebration of true togetherness, warts and all, through the shared experience of the most wonderful time of the year.”

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The Nutcracker (age recommendation 7+) is at Bristol Old Vic from November 24-January 7. Showtimes are 10am, 2pm and 7pm and vary between days; for more information and tickets, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk.

Main photo: Bristol Old Vic

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