We are delighted to reveal that rehearsals are now in full swing for this year’s Christmas production of The Nutcracker, with the principal cast, creative team, and Youth Ensemble all working together to bring this magical tale to life.
As the clock strikes midnight, Clara’s cherished Nutcracker doll springs to life, sweeping her into a fantastical world where mystery, magic, and adventure collide. Alongside her wise Aunt Rowena, she must face the sinister Evil Rat Queen, whose darkness threatens the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and lead a brave stand to restore harmony to the magical and mortal realms.
This year’s adaptation reimagines the classic story with subtle nods to Tchaikovsky and a folk-influenced score, and offers a warm, immersive staging, designed to bring audiences closer to the action than ever before.
The professional cast are rehearsing alongside a talented 10-strong Youth Ensemble, proudly sponsored by Taunton School, whose support helps nurture the next generation of creative talent in Somerset. This rehearsal process enables young performers and professionals from across the South West to share the stage, building an exciting, collaborative atmosphere that will come alive on stage.
The Nutcracker runs at Taunton Brewhouse from Tue 2 – Sun 28 December 2025.
THE CAST
Nell Baker – Clara
Nell Baker takes on the role of Clara. A graduate of the Oxford School of Drama, Nell’s theatre credits include Wolf Country (John Godber Company), The Deep Blue Sea (West End), The Borrowers and Ladies Unleashed (Hull Truck Theatre).
Tomas Baines – Frank / The Nutcracker
Tomas Baines will play Frank/The Nutcracker. Originally from Taunton, Tomas is an actor-musician and guitarist who trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating with a first-class honours degree. His credits there include Machinal, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Peter Pan.
Elizabeth Marsh – Lady Euwella / The Rat Queen
Elizabeth Marsh joins the company as Lady Euwella/The Rat Queen. Elizabeth’s extensive career spans stage and screen, with performances at the National Theatre, in the West End, and on tour across the UK. Some of her favourite roles include Klytaimestra in Elektra, Fay in Iron, Mme Giry in Phantom of the Opera, and the Marquise de Merteuil in Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
Rhiannon Neads – Aunt Rowena / The Sugar Plum Fairy
Rhiannon Neads appears as Aunt Rowena/The Sugar Plum Fairy. Rhiannon is a Somerset-born writer and performer who trained at LAMDA. Her theatre credits include Autobiography of a Cad (The Watermill Theatre), Supernova (Omnibus Theatre), and All Lies (Alan Ayckbourn Company).
Dan Wheeler – Lord Henry / Thistlebane
Dan Wheeler completes the principal cast as Lord Henry/Thistlebane. A LAMDA graduate based in Bristol, Dan’s theatre credits include Robin Hood and The Scarlet Pimpernel (The Egg), Our Country’s Good and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Tobacco Factory Theatres), Rumpelstiltskin (Insane Root), and Peter Pan (National Theatre).
THE CREATIVES
Director Sasha Wilson, Artistic Director of the multi-award-winning Out Of The Forest Theatre, returns to Taunton Brewhouse following her performance as the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol (2023). A LAMDA-trained actor-musician, writer, and director, Sasha’s work is known for its inventive storytelling and live folk music influences. She has twice won the Off West End Award for Best Ensemble – for Bury The Hatchet (2019) and Boris III (2024).
Musical Director and Composer Callum Patrick Hughes trained at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, Stephen F Austin State University, Texas, and Goldsmith’s University of London. He has an impressive career spanning acting, composition, and musical direction, including work on Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, The Great Gatsby, and Treasure Island. He has also composed music for The Little Mermaid and Cinderella.
Designer Tomasin Cuthbert, Artistic Director of Soap Soup Arts, brings her imaginative, cross-generational theatre design to the production, with credits at The Bristol Old Vic, Tobacco Factory Theatres, and The Little Angel Theatre. She has trained at Falmouth University, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and Nottingham Trent University, and with Soap Soup, has made and designed 10 family shows – some of which have been performed at Taunton Brewhouse.
Lighting Designer Charly Dunford, a graduate of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and recipient of the 2022 ALPD Michael Northern Award, has designed for leading venues across the UK, including Shakespeare North Playhouse, the Watermill Theatre, and Northern Stage. Her credits include Fleabag (Sherman Theatre), What’s New Pussycat (Birmingham Rep), Kinky Boots (Chester Storyhouse), and War Horse (UK Tour).
Youth Ensemble Direction will be by Sarah Shorten, Artistic Director of Porlock-based Stacked Wonky, an award-winning village-based arts organisation with a history of making site-specific performance integrating dancers of all ages. With an archive of performances that have ventured to London department stores, the coastal hinterland between Blue Anchor and Minehead, and unassuming fields, she is ready for a theatre-based adventure.
Book Tickets
The Nutcracker runs from Tue 2 – Sun 28 December. To book tickets, please click here.
Families can save 10% on tickets when booking before Thursday 31 October. For more information, click here or contact the Box Office on 01823 283244.
