There is much to love about our festive season here in South Wales, for us, one of the more unusual highlights comes from the team at Wales Millennium Centre and Juliette Manon who have produced a naughty, wickedly funny and hugely entertaining show.
NUTCRACKER (THE ALTERNATIVE CABARET) is in the Weston Studio through till the end of the month and if you’re looking for something other than your tradition pantomime, this is the one for you.
The show may share it’s name with the much-loved Tchaikovsky tale, there may even be familiar characters and music peppered throughout the production, but this is Nutcracker like you’ve never seen it before. With burlesque, aerial performances and original music, which is both funny and moving, this is immersive and subversive theatre at its best.
Having said this isn’t your traditional panto, you still get to boo, cheer and occasionally become part of the performance. What makes all of this so much fun is actually the venue itself.
The Weston Studio is transformed into ‘Le Crack‘ the dingiest cabaret club in town. Tables are dotted around the main central stage which really makes you at one with the performers. You can see them, but that also means they can see us, and you just know what naughtiness that can lead to.
Being so close to the action means everyone has a perfect view of the show, no matter where you sit. Without wishing to be indiscreet at all, the view is occasionally very up close and personal. You will see bottoms and boobs, of that there is no doubt.
NUTCRACKER is a queer love story with an adult twist on this Christmas classic. Directed by JULIETTE MANON, with original live music from SAM ROBERTS and HELEDD WATKINS. and performances from LEN BLANCO, DIOMEDE, CADBURY PARFAIT, ROTTEN PEACH and Aerialist DAISY WILLIAMS.
The players will have you under their spell from the get go with plenty of audience participation and interaction, something which is often fraught with danger. But with a sharp witted cast, and excellent banter, they really help you leave inhibitions at the door and throw yourself into the story.
As you can see from the pictures the costumes are perfect for this production. Ranging from King Rat chic to outfits filled with colour and just the right amount of naughtiness.
The costumes may well be head turning but thats what is also great about the seating, you have the ability to turn in every direction ensuring you don’t miss a second of the performance. You are there with the aerial performers, as they spin and balance on hoops and chains. The players too are in and out of the audience performing and teasing some of the crowd as they go.
What we love most about the festive show in the Weston Studio are not only the incredible team of performers, musicians and crew but I have to add the Wales Millennium Centre staff, who are very much a part of the whole experience. I can assure you once again, this is still the best £20 you’ll spend this festive season.
This is one of those shows where you can grab your mates, pull up a table, order your drinks to be brought to you before and during the performance, and have the greatest night with a sexy, saucy and completely uninhibited band of players. Traditional it’s not, terrific it most certainly is.
NUTCRACKER (THE ALTERNATIVE CABARET) is in the Weston Studio at the Wales Millennium Centre through till the 31st December. Performances are at 8:30pm each evening (not Sunday & Monday), with a 3:30pm start on New Year’s Eve. For more details and tickets go HERE.
