The critics enjoy Scottish Ballet's new "Nutcracker" by Ashley Page:
On the darker side, a tale not quite so sweet By MARTIN LENON for The Evening News
WHETHER or not Scottish Ballet have gone over to the dark side of the avant-garde, is still up for debate. Certainly, last night they were courting one another at the premiere of Ashley Page’s take on The Nutcracker - not so much a reinvention as a return to the roots of the story.
Alexander Dumas was responsible for the version audiences have come to know and love but Page, incorporating work by Lev Ivanov, turned to the original Hoffman tale for a fresh, yet darker narrative to choreograph.
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New Nutcracker sparkles with saucy fun By Kelly Apter for The Scotsman
TO SAY Scottish Ballet is a phoenix risen from the ashes would be something of an understatement. Twelve months ago it was limping away from a parliamentary inquiry, desperately seeking a new direction. And now, thanks to the penetrating vision of new artistic director, Ashley Page, it’s found one. Last night, in full view of a loud and appreciative Festival Theatre audience, Scottish Ballet was reborn.
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The Nutcracker, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh By MARY BRENNAN for The Herald
Love it, or hate it – Scottish Ballet's new Nutcracker is unlikely to leave you indifferent. And whether or not you agree with the surreal slant of the narrative, or the psychological nuances incorporated by artistic director Ashley Page, you should surely feel able to admire the witty, complex choreography he has fashioned to Tchaikovsky's well-worn score.
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