A fresh, anarchic and thoroughly heart-warming take on the classic Christmas tale is delighting audiences in London's West End this festive season. Little Bulb Theatre's production of 'The Nutcracker' is running at St Martin's Theatre, offering a cheeky, wild and warm-hearted alternative to traditional versions.
A Modern, Mouse-Infested Wimbledon
The ingenious show, first staged at Polka Theatre and now Olivier-nominated, transplants the story to present-day Wimbledon. Here, a family grapples with their first Christmas after the loss of their mother. Siblings Clara and Fritz, played by Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens and Dominic Conway, are unimpressed with their new, dilapidated home, which features clogged sewers and an abundance of mouse droppings.
The script, devised by Clare Beresford, Dominic Conway, and Alexander Scott with the company, is packed with physical comedy, silly festive songs (including a rodent-themed twist on Wham!'s 'Last Christmas'), and a stream of deliberately cheesy puns. It cleverly winks at the adults in the room while ensuring the young audience feels safe, included, and constantly entertained.
An Inspired Quest and Lo-Fi Magic
The narrative truly takes flight when Clara and Fritz embark on a quest to defeat the dastardly, pants-wearing Mouse King. Their adventure is brought to life through Sam Wilde's simple but evocative set, which conjures endless lo-fi delights.
Highlights include a beautiful shadow puppet show telling the tale of the 'Cheesy Five' mice, thrilling sword fights, and surreal encounters like navigating the 'Pipes of Peril' clogged with monster poos. A standout moment features a Desert of Dust portrayed by a gloriously sulky woman in a dusty cloak.
The production is a masterclass in playful imagination, featuring crooning rodents and a Yoda-inspired elder mouse. It feels less like a straight retelling and more like the version a child might invent while playing with their siblings—full of unexpected twists, homemade magic, and unbridled joy.
A Triumph of Family Theatre
While the first half can feel slightly wordy at times, the show's central mission is utterly inspired. The cast, which also includes Shamira Turner, performs a delicate balancing act, honouring the story's moments of sorrow and shock while maintaining an atmosphere of gleeful celebration.
This is festive theatre that captures the pure, make-believe spirit of childhood. Little Bulb's 'The Nutcracker' is a guaranteed dose of cheery, chaotic fun for the whole family, proving that the best Christmas stories are those told with originality and heart.
The show continues its run at St Martin's Theatre in London until 4 January.
