FEATURING an impressive cast and a large live orchestra with over 30 musicians, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will burst onto the Swansea stage with a magical interpretation of a Christmas favourite.

The company is set to light up the Swansea Grand Theatre this November with the enduring Christmas tale of The Nutcracker, bringing with them all the colour, enthusiasm and vibrancy that one would expect.

The company has earned high praise for its past ballets and operas and this year’s performance is another unmissable treat for the whole family.

The Nutcracker became one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions, and perhaps the most popular ballet in the world and tells the tale of Marie, a rather sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve.

Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new doll, Marie is swept up in the ultimate Christmas fantasy adventure when it comes magically to life and, with the aid of a box full of toy soldiers under the Christmas tree, defeats the army of the evil Mouse King who has invaded her house.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House have ensured that this classical ballet remains just as spell-binding today as it was when it was first performed 120 years ago.

This eternal favourite will be an unforgettable journey during the run-up to Christmas and an ideal introduction to people of any age to the magic that is classical ballet featuring a score familiar to many, from The Arabian Dance to the Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Nutcracker will be performed on Tuesday, November 25 at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced between £24.50 to £31.50, are available by calling the Box Office on 01792 475715 or by visiting www.ballet-tickets.com