Review: Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana at Wolverhampton Grand

★★★★★

Nutcracker in Havana is a Cuban take on the winter classic ballet from renowned artistic director, choreographer and dancer, Carlos Acosta. The show presents many of the traditional elements you would expect to find in The Nutcracker while also adding Havana heat and Cuban influence throughout. 

The original score by Tchaikovsky is undeniably still recognisable in the music of this show, however, it has been masterfully re-arranged and augmented by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo to incorporate Cuban rhythms and congas that are a perfect fit for the show’s Caribbean setting and the twist not only on the story but also on the dancing itself. 

The set and video design (Nina Dunn for PixelLux) are cleverly used to take viewers to Havana with an aerial videography tour. While alongside lighting (Andrew Exeter) the show's backdrop is beautifully brought to life with transforming elements, twinkling lights that hint at the Christmas period, and chain curtains that add a layer of fluidity to the staging. 

The costuming (Angelo Alberto), wigs and make-up (Jin Ho Kang) also combine the glittering elegance of the traditional Nutcracker with the colourful, joyful burst of Cuban flair with their stunning embellishments and use of traditional Caribbean clothing for example with the use of ‘Mambí’ for the Nutcracker. 

Laura Rodríguez as Sugarplum, Yonah Acosta as Prince (Photographed by Johan Persson)

The dancing which showcases Acosta’s unique style and choreography is, of course, the centrepiece of this production. With ballet at its core, the dancers also showcase Cuban dance traditions including contemporary Cuban movements, Paso Doble-inspired numbers, dances in chancleta wooden clogs, maypole dance, and even martial arts woven into the dancing. A dizzingly dazzling re-telling of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, Nutcracker in Havana culminates in a beautifully dreamy and extravagant finale in the Kingdom of Sweets that draws festivities to an exquisite close. 

A fantastically festive fiesta, Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana is an enchanting and bright take on the classic Tchaikovsky ballet; bursting with Cuban colour, party spirit and sparkling magic. 

Photographed by Johan Persson

Nutcracker in Havana runs at Wolverhampton Grand until Tuesday 14th January with a matinee and an evening performance before the production moves on to Milton Keynes. 

This review is written following a press invite to the show.