The Royal Opera House Cinema Season 2025/26 brings world-class ballet performances to cinema screens across Japan. From December 19, 2025 to July 9, 2026, nine selected productions are being screened for one week each, allowing audiences to experience the grandeur of The Royal Ballet in local theaters.
From February 20 to 26, cinemas will screen The Royal Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, one of the most beloved winter ballets worldwide. This Peter Wright version has been performed over 600 times at the Royal Opera House since its 1984 premiere, captivating audiences year after year.
The Beauty of Mayara Magri and Reece Clarke
Dance critic Naomi Morisu highlights the production's appeal: "The rich storytelling drawn from Hoffmann's original tale" makes this version particularly special. The spectacular scene where the Christmas tree grows at midnight, the thrilling battle with the Mouse King featuring Clara's brave actions, the beautiful Snow Scene with corps de ballet, and the lavish celebration in the Land of Sweets create a succession of memorable moments.
The principal cast features two of The Royal Ballet's most distinguished dancers. Mayara Magri, who won first place at the Prix de Lausanne in 2011 and has since performed lead roles across the company's repertoire, brings technical brilliance and musicality to the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Morisu praises her performance: "With unwavering classical technique and superior musicality, she shines as the Sugar Plum Fairy, radiating a bright and warm aura."
As the Prince, Reece Clarke brings Hollywood-star good looks and dynamic dancing with long, fluid limbs. Known for his excellent partnering skills, Morisu notes: "Reece and Mayara's tall, beautiful pairing creates breathtaking pas de deux and lifts, mesmerizing audiences with their partnership and delivering a dreamlike experience."
Rising Stars and Japanese Talent
The production also features rising stars in the roles of Clara and Hans-Peter. These younger roles often serve as stepping stones for dancers who later become principals and perform the main Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince pas de deux. Hans-Peter is performed by Japanese dancer Taiyo Nakao. Morisu describes him as embodying "the refreshing charm of a fine young man who represents young Clara's aspirations, and his future success is highly anticipated."
Clara is danced by Marianna Tsembenkhoy, a promising newcomer of Ukrainian and African heritage who has participated in charity performances supporting Ukraine. Though currently a First Artist, she is scheduled to make her principal debut in the upcoming production of Giselle.
The Grand Pas de Deux
The climax of The Nutcracker is the Sugar Plum Fairy's Grand Pas de Deux. Morisu describes this scene as "the crystallization of ballet's beauty, like being in heaven." The Sugar Plum Fairy's solo showcases graceful upper body movements combined with crisp, sparkling footwork. The Prince's solo demonstrates virtuosic technique, and the coda features breathtaking high-speed turns.
The cinema version includes special behind-the-scenes footage, including a glimpse into Mayara Magri's pointe shoe preparation secrets, offering additional insights beyond what stage audiences can experience.
Perfect for First-Time Ballet Viewers
The Nutcracker is an ideal introduction to ballet, enjoyable for all ages. This cinema screening offers the opportunity to experience The Royal Ballet's top dancers in Tchaikovsky's magical 2-hour and 36-minute production on the big screen with immersive sound.
Production Information
The Nutcracker
Choreography: Peter Wright, based on Lev Ivanov
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Original Libretto: Marius Petipa, based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King"
Production & Libretto: Peter Wright
Set Design: Julia Trevelyan Oman
Lighting Design: Mark Henderson
Conductor: Charlotte Politi
Principal Cast:
- Sugar Plum Fairy: Mayara Magri
- The Prince: Reece Clarke
- Drosselmeyer: James Hay
- Clara: Marianna Tsembenkhoy
- Hans-Peter/Nutcracker: Taiyo Nakao
Screening: February 20-26, 2026 at TOHO Cinemas Nihombashi and other theaters nationwide
Runtime: 2 hours 36 minutes
Original Performance: December 10, 2025
Official Website: http://tohotowa.co.jp/roh/
Official X (Twitter): https://x.com/rbocinema
Distributor: TOHO-TOWA
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