Mariinsky Theatre: The Nutcracker In 3D

With a host of top Tchaikovsky tunes, a dash of magic, some scary giant rats and decent roles for kids, ‘The Nutcracker’ has long been a seasonal ballet treat for the family. This 3D recording of last year’s staging at St Petersburg’s historic Mariinsky Theatre has ‘Christmas outing’ written all over it, but while the company’s well-drilled dancers and conductor Valery Gergiev’s forceful orchestra deliver, the 3D aspect is a mixed bag. The ballet’s scatty storyline follows a lavish Yuletide gathering with an extended dream sequence where pretty much everyone gets to do a turn, and the cast’s effortless athleticism keeps us engaged, especially when leading light Alina Somova struts her princessy stuff. On the downside, the production (originating from 1954) looks dowdy compared to today’s hi-tech glitz, and the 3D visuals, while offering marginally improved depth perspective on the action, darken the colours considerably, leaving an otherwise fairly splendid ‘Nutcracker’ minus a certain sparkle.