Rehearsals for The Nutcracker are in full swing and the festive spirit has well and truly arrived! Next week we’ll be raising the curtain on this magical Christmas treat, a heart-warming celebration of this classic tale filled with music, song and joy.
Our talented cast of actor-musicians are hard at work bringing this enchanting adaptation to life for families this festive season. The rehearsal room has become a lively hub of creativity, alive with the sounds of piano, flute and mandolin, carrying echoes of folk song and the spirit of Tchaikovsky as imagination takes flight.
Meanwhile, our brilliant Youth Ensemble, Team Plum and Team Sugar, are bursting with energy, transforming into mischievous rats and sparkling fairies through dance and song.
The design is a feast for the eyes: colourful, vibrant with touches of inspiration from the Regency period.
Step into the magical world of Clara, where adventure, music and festive fun come alive. From brave young hearts to zany fairies and mischievous creatures, each character brings their own spark to this enchanting tale.
MEET THE CAST
Clara played by Nell Baker – A spirited young girl with an adventurous heart, longing for the stories in her beloved books to spring to life.
Frank / The Nutcracker played by Tomas Baines – A kind and humble stable boy with a brave heart and a spark of magic within.
Lady Euwella / The Rat Queen played by Elizabeth Marsh – Clara’s mother; a staunch traditionalist whose firm beliefs hide a fierce and commanding presence.
Aunt Rowenna / The Sugar Plum Fairy played by Rhiannon Neads – A gracious, perceptive woman whose wisdom and warmth shine through her every action.
Lord Henry / Thistlebane played by Dan Wheeler – A proud and rather obtuse gentleman, invited by Lady Euwella to make the acquaintance of her daughter, Clara.
Grab your ticket to a guaranteed winter warmer here.
We can’t wait to share this magical production with you!
A WINTER’S TAIL
For families with children aged 2–6, we’re delighted to present The Last Baguette’s A Winter’s Tail – a charming winter adventure filled with more rat-tastic fun in the studio!
The snow is swirling, the solstice is almost here… and Ratty is busy getting ready! She wants everything to be absolutely rat-tastic! But will her friends make it through the snowy forest to join the magical winter woodland revels?
That’s where you come in! Help them on their journey through a world of adventure, laughter, music, games, and just the right amount of silliness (and snow!).
Led by Dorset’s very own The Last Baguette, A Winter’s Tail is a fun, relaxed, play-along theatre adventure. You’ll move, play, laugh, and watch as the story unfolds all around you.
The show lasts 1 hour, including a stay-and-play session, and is perfect for ages 2+ with their grown-ups. Younger or older siblings are more than welcome to join the fun!
“Magical interactive storytelling this week with Last Baguette theatre company! The children were enthralled” Little Stars
EVENT CINEMA
This Christmas, we’ll also be presenting a selection of Event Cinema screenings, including the festive André Rieu’s Christmas Concert. From the Royal Ballet and Opera, enjoy Cinderella, and from Exhibition on Screen, we’ll be showing Caravaggio.
Royal Ballet & Opera: Cinderella | Thu 4 Dec | 19:30
This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family, transporting you to an ethereal world where dreams come true.
Exhibition on Screen – Caravaggio | Sat 6 Dec | 19:30
Mystery, intrigue, beauty, passion, murder – shine a new light on Caravaggio in this dramatic biography… Featuring masterpiece after masterpiece and with first-hand testimony from the artist himself on the eve of his mysterious disappearance, this beautiful new film reveals Caravaggio as never before.
André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas | Sun 7 Dec | 14:30
This holiday season, the magic begins on the big screen. Join André Rieu for his 2025 Christmas Concert – “Merry Christmas” and experience joyful carols, beautiful waltzes, and plenty of surprises.
