Cornelius & Jones Original Productions
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The Nutcracker

Adapted from the story by Hoffman, the play takes place in a toyshop in 19th century Germany where Zachariah the toymaker is hard at work. Reality gradually gives way to dream-like fantasy as the audience is led into a series of amazing adventures. The toys come to life like those of Marie and Fritz in the fairytale, and Zachariah takes on the character of the children's godfather Drosselmeier - the sinister clockmaker. . .

The imaginative use of toys, automata, puppets and Christmas traditions makes the show particularly magical, and although aimed at young audiences it is vividly accessible to all ages.

Music by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Andrew Dodge
Ages 5 plus
Running time 60 minutes

"...a WONDERFUL theatre experience. The best children's show we've seen to date (and that includes all the jazzy pantomimes) MUCH more theatre magic! We were all riveted. When the sugarplum fairy started to dance I had tears in my eyes - and we couldn't believe it when the Arabian dancer actually did a SOMERSAULT! I have never heard the whole Nutcracker story before - and it was very special being able to put the music in context. Thank you to tyhe master toymaker and to the company for a really and truly magical experience. 
A parent's comments on a performance at Malvern Theatres

We also run a puppet and toy making workshop to accompany the show. During the workshop, which lasts for approximately 60 minutes, we work with a maximum group of 25 children (or one class) aged 5-12.

 

 

 


The Nutcracker

To download the photo for printing, click on the link nut300.jpg  When the image has downloaded, click on File and select Save As. Windows users can also right-click inside the image.

Schools can also download the Education pack (which includes an illustrated synopsis, notes on the historical and cultural context and a wordsearch game) and review forms for children and teachers:
Education pack  (MS Word, WinZip file 2.1MB)
Children's review form 
(MS Word, WinZip file 3KB)
Teacher's review form  (MS Word, WinZip file 4KB)

The music from the show is available on a CD which contains 8 tracks and runs for 17 minutes. It costs £5.99 including postage and can be ordered from Andrew Dodge at andrew@londonw4.co.uk
You can listen to extracts by clicking on the links:
Overture (MP3, 137KB)
Russian Dance (MP3, 164KB)
Waltz of the Flowers (MP3, 186KB)

Pinocchio The Happy Prince Twelfth Night The Odyssey Diary of a Nobody
The Snow Queen The Dream The Tempest Thor the Giant Killer Citizen Paine
The Nutcracker Macbeth Sir Gawain The Victorian Toy Theatre
Cornelius & Jones Original Productions, 49 Carters Close, Sherington, Newport Pagnell MK16 9NW
Tel/Fax 01908 612593 - Email admin@corneliusjones.com