Matthew Bournes Nutcracker at The Lowry until 1st March

The acclaimed British choreographer revives his first ever large-scale ballet.

Matthew Bourne nearly turned down the opportunity to choreograph The Nutcracker when he was first approached. "It was certainly not something I would have ever contemplated. After all, we were a small touring company of six dancers so a large-scale classical ballet was not really a realistic option! It didn't take me long, though, to realise that this was a gift and a challenge that couldn't be passed up."

In connection with Opera North, Bourne created a dazzling production that launched his career as a choerographer of note. His Nutcracker! blends Tchaikovsky's powerful score with the sparkle of Busby Berkley musicals and the grace of ballet at its finest, and has proved popular with audiences since its first showing.