A NIGHT at the ballet may not - at first glance - be to everyone's taste. But I would urge any doubters to get down to the Liverpool Empire this week to see one of the most madly inventive nights entertainment I have ever enjoyed at the theatre.
English National Ballet's version of the Nutcracker has been given a complete makeover by renowned caricaturist and designer, Gerald Scarfe, working closely with choreographer Christopher Hampson, the result is a wildly imaginative, vivid retelling of one of Tchaikovsky's most famous ballets.
Scarfe's design is superb - treating the audience to a dazzling festive Technicolor dream world populated with wonderful, memorable characters draped in fabulously vibrant costumes.
The set design is just as imaginative. The flavour of the season so strong, you can almost smell the mulled spices in the air.
The action opens with a beautifully painted front-drop featuring live snowmen and a dancing Nutcracker Prince while clever lighting effects recreate a snowstorm.
The overture begins - performed by the note perfect Orchestra of English National Ballet, led by Anthony Twiner. The audience quiets and the curtain raises to reveal a black draped stage containing a giant book and a vanishing cabinet.
The magician Drosselmeyer (flamboyantly danced by Gary Avis) then appears looking like he would be at home on the Las Vegas showbiz circuit - stylish black and silver costume, tousle-haired, replete with flowing cape.
With a flourish he opens the book to reveal a fantastically festive toyshop which becomes the ultimate Christmas party beneath a huge sparkling fir tree.
