Review: The Nutcracker at Leicester De Montfort Hall was perfect ✯✯✯✯✯

The return of the Varna International Ballet for its 2026 season is nothing short of breathtaking. From the first rise of the curtain to the final, thunderous applause, this production proves why the company continues to be so critically acclaimed. It is a performance of rare beauty — visually spectacular, emotionally resonant, and artistically flawless.

A World-Class Cast at the Peak of Their Powers

What immediately captivates is the calibre of the dancers. The cast is truly world class, blending extraordinary technique with expressive storytelling. Every leap, turn, and extension feels effortless, yet charged with emotion. The ensemble work is equally impressive — synchronised to perfection, yet alive with individual artistry.

This is ballet performed at the highest level: elegant, precise, and utterly absorbing.

Interestingly, there were lots of youngsters in the audience, who loved this performance at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall as much as the more seasoned ballet-goers who were also in attendance.

A Production That Moves the Heart

Set against the familiar magic of Christmas Eve, the performance of The Nutcracker unfolds like a dream. As snowflakes drift outside and candlelight flickers across the stage, the audience is transported into a fairy-tale world where toy dolls awaken, the Mouse-King wages war, and wonder awaits beyond midnight.

But beyond its visual splendour, it is the emotional depth that surprises. The production carries a warmth and sincerity that touches something deeper. There are moments of such tenderness and poignancy that many in the audience — ourselves included — were moved to tears.

This is not simply spectacle. It is storytelling with soul.

Sensational Music, Performed Live

The live accompaniment by the Varna International Ballet Orchestra is sensational. The richness of a full orchestra transforms the evening into a truly immersive experience. Every swell of strings, every delicate woodwind phrase, every triumphant crescendo resonates through the theatre.

Under the direction of Azat Maxutov, the orchestra delivers a performance of remarkable clarity and emotional nuance. The music does not merely support the dance — it breathes with it, heightening drama, romance, and magic at every turn.

Flawless Choreography

The choreography is a triumph. Dynamic yet graceful, intricate yet fluid, it balances technical brilliance with narrative clarity. Large ensemble scenes shimmer with energy, while pas de deux sequences radiate intimacy and lyricism.

Not a step feels wasted. Not a transition feels uncertain. It is, quite simply, flawless.

Sets and Effects That Inspire Awe

Visually, the production is astounding. The sets are amazing — lavish, imaginative, and beautifully crafted. From the glowing Christmas interior to the glittering Land of Snow, each scene feels immersive and cinematic.

The addition of magical special effects enhances rather than distracts, adding sparkle and wonder while preserving the classical elegance of the ballet tradition.

Visionary Artistic Leadership

Credit must also go to Daniela Dimova, whose artistic direction ensures that every element — dance, design, music, pacing — works in perfect harmony. The result is a production that feels both timeless and freshly invigorated.

An Unforgettable Evening

Varna International Ballet’s 2026 season is a masterclass in what ballet can be: stunning, emotionally powerful, and exquisitely performed. The cast is world class, the music sensational, the choreography flawless, and the sets truly spectacular.

As the curtain fell, we had tears in our eyes.

This is not just a performance. It is an experience — one that lingers long after the curtain falls.

Verdict: Five stars, without hesitation.

For more details about upcoming shows at De Montfort Hall, visit demontforthall.co.uk