We caught up with The Nutcracker’s Writer & Director Scott Ramsay to find out more about what audiences can expect from his upcoming Christmas musical.
1. Putting a show of this kind together is a long process, what’s it like actually getting it all into the rehearsal room?
Writing, designing and planning for the show takes over a year; bringing the cast and creative team together for the rehearsal process is one of the most exciting but also challenging moments. It’s important to plan well but also to remain flexible when putting all of the elements together in order to achieve the best possible experience for audiences.
2. What can audiences expect from this production of The Nutcracker?
Audiences can expect an original take on the array of characters portrayed in the literary, film and dance versions of the Nutcracker story, but brought to life in a way never seen before. My productions celebrate strong storytelling, and include characters that are more complex and multi-dimensional than are usually seen in Christmas shows. Audiences can also expect high production values, big sets, fabulous costumes and lots of entertainment.
3. What are you looking forward to in terms of The Nutcracker being on the New Theatre Royal stage?
I always enjoy the multi-generational quality of our Christmas shows, and playing simultaneously to different generations in one performance.
4. Sum up the production in three words.
Surprising. Spine-tingling. Rare.
5. What sorts of shows inspire you as a theatre-maker?
I am particularly interested in how Christmas shows and pantomimes have evolved over the last 200 years. I’ve had the pleasure of writing a wide variety of Christmas shows, including family plays, musicals and pantomimes. The style we’ve developed at New Theatre Royal builds on a style called ‘extravaganza’ that was prevalent here for much of the theatre’s history. It celebrates richer and more inventive storytelling and sits half-way between pantomime and musical theatre.
6. If you could choose anything, what would you ask Drosselmeyer to create for you?
A perfect pair of leather shoes that never wear out, and are perfect for every occasion!
The Nutcracker – A Christmas Musical Spectacular is at New Theatre Royal Portsmouth from 13 – 31 December 2019. Click here to find out more and to book.