Nutcracking fun, in the alternative cabaret in cardiff
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending ‘Nutcracker; The Alternative Cabaret’ at the Wales Millennium Centre, and what an extraordinary evening it was! From the moment I walked into the venue, I knew I was in for a unique experience, and this gender-bending, nut-cracking entertainment did not disappoint.
“‘Gender-Bending, Nut-Cracking Entertainment’”
The show is a daring twist on the classic Christmas tale, infused with seductive burlesque, daring aerial acts, and a generous dose of gender-bending deviancy. Hosted by the enigmatic Rat King, this cabaret reimagines ‘The Nutcracker’ as a queer love story, bursting with energy and creativity.
As I settled into my seat, the music composed by Sam Roberts and Heledd Watkins of HMS Morris was playing. Their eclectic mix of sounds set the perfect tone for the evening, blending seamlessly with the performances to come.
One of the standout elements of the night was the incredible talent on display. Len Blanco, as the Rat King, commanded the stage with a presence that was both commanding and charismatic. Their voice, rich and powerful, held the audience captive. Rotten Peach aerial acts were nothing short of breathtaking, pushing the boundaries of physical performance with daring acrobatics that left us all in awe.
Cadbury Parfait and Rotten Peach brought a delightful blend of humour and seduction to their performances, each act more captivating than the last. The chemistry among the cast was palpable, and it was clear that they were all having as much fun as we were.
The show’s director, Juliette Manon, has truly outdone themself with this production. They have taken E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 fairy tale and given it a bold, modern twist. Manon’s direction is sharp and insightful, creating a cabaret that not only entertains but also provokes thought and conversation about queer identity and love in today’s society.
Heledd Watkins of HMS Morris shared her excitement about the project, saying, “Composing the show has been a new challenge for us because we’ve not done theatre composing to this scale before, but we’re having so much fun! We’re getting to work in different genres that we haven’t explored before, and injecting some HMS Morris into it, as well as some other influences – but you’ll have to see the show to find out more!”
Director Juliette Manon added, “This production sees ‘The Nutcracker’ reimagined through a trans lens to become a queer love story. In a world where others constantly speak over us, this show is us taking up space, reclaiming and creating our own narrative.”
Graeme Farrow, Chief Creative and Content Officer at Wales Millennium Centre, remarked, “Following last year’s sell-out success, The First XXXmas: A Very Naughty-tivity, we’re excited to welcome a fresh new team ready to sprinkle their magic on our iconic venue. This is Christmas, but not as you know it!”
‘Nutcracker; The Alternative Cabaret’ is a holiday celebration that defies tradition. It’s a night filled with festive cheer, satire, and joy, making it an unforgettable experience. The show runs in the Weston Studio from 3 to 31 December, and I highly recommend you grab your tickets before they sell out.
To sum up, this performance was an exhilarating journey into a world of creativity and innovation. It’s not just a show; it’s an experience that challenges norms and celebrates diversity in the most entertaining way possible. Don’t miss out on this captivating cabaret—get your tickets at www.wmc.org.uk/nutcracker and prepare to be enchanted!
