Review: MCONIE COMPANY’S NUTCRACKER, Tuff Nutt Jazz Club at Southbank Centre
Photo credit: Mark Senior
It's less than 50 days until Christmas so if you're looking to get in the festive spirit, the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club is the perfect place to go!
This reimagined production of the Nutcracker is inclusive, innovative, and perfect for the whole family. Clara has become Clive, and the Nutcracker is Action Man. Clive lives in a bedsit with his cold and traditional father but when he falls asleep on Christmas Eve, we are transported to a dream world where we meet a plethora of colourful characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Tuff Nutt Jazz Club is at the Southbank Centre and this newly transformed performance space, designed by Soutra Gilmour, is the perfect intimate setting to host this cheeky and charming Christmas show. The space is small, but the cast utilise the stage expertly and fill every corner with their boundless energy. Dressed in gorgeous glitzy costumes, designed by Ryan Dawson Laight, they dance with joyful precision. Drew McOnie’s imaginative but sleek and stylish choreography pairs perfectly with Cassie Kinoshi’s playful reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic score. The music is played brilliantly by the on-stage jazz band who are dressed in pyjamas, a lovely touch to ensure the festive fun is everywhere you look. The heartwarming inclusivity continues into the bows when each performer, including the band, is announced by name to receive a well-deserved round of applause.
The talented cast, led by Mark Samaras as Clive, exude warmth and happiness as they fly through the winter wonderland. Amonik Melaco and Patricia Zhou are exquisitely expressive as Action Man and Sugar Plum. They are joined by Chanelle Anthony, Tim Hodges, Rachel Muldoon who delivery enchanting and energetic performances. Their facial expressions tell the story beautifully as they speed through an incredible number of characters and costumes with glitter and grace.
The show ends with a short monologue emphasing the message of love and acceptance at Christmas. However, since the dancing has already done an excellent job of conveying this sentiment, it feels a little unnecessary and its seriousness jars against the casual charm of this festive frolic.
This technicolour reimagining of the classic story is the Nutcracker like you've never seen it before! A trip to the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club this Christmas is sure to leave you smiling.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Nutcracker plays at The Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, Southbank Centre until 6 January 2024, with further information here.