The Nutcracker stars bring extra special sparkle to Norwich store’s Christmas displays
To mark the official unveiling of Jarrolds Nutcracker-themed department store window, two of The Nutcracker cast from the Northern Ballet Dreda Blow (Sugar Plum Fairy) and Isaac Lee-Baker (Cavalier) at the Norwich department store. Photo : Steve Adams - Credit: Steve Adams
The magical story of The Nutcracker is bringing Christmas cheer to a Norwich department store this Christmas.
To mark the official unveiling of Jarrold’s Nutcracker-themed department store window, two of The Nutcracker cast from the Northern Ballet Dreda Blow (Sugar Plum Fairy) and Isaac Lee-Baker (Cavalier) at the Norwich department store. Photo : Steve Adams - Credit: Steve Adams
Jarrold has themed its festive displays on the classic tale, and yesterday they were given an extra special sparkle when dancers from Northern Ballet's production of The Nutcracker performed in front of them.
The two dancers – Dreda Blow and Isaac Lee-Baker – are part of the cast starring in The Nutcracker at Norwich's Theatre Royal this week.
Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, the show tells the story of Clara and her family as they prepare for the excitement of Christmas amid the arrival of relatives and presents.
But one of the festive gifts – a Nutcracker Prince – turns out to be real and whisks Clara away to an exciting Winter Wonderland.
Dreda, who said she was realising a childhood dream by playing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, said: 'I love dancing to the music.
'It is so iconic and everybody just leaves the theatre so happy and so full of Christmas spirit.
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'It is nice to perform knowing that people are really feeling the joy and being lost in the magic of the show.
'There is so much magic and beautiful music.' Both Dreda and Isaac, who plays Cavalier in the show, said they loved The Nutcracker displays that are adorning Jarrold's windows and the elements of the story that can be spotted around the store.
The displays have been created by Jane Evans, Amy Newson and Annie Emmerson from the store's visual merchandising department.
The front cover of Jarrold's Christmas Gift Guide also features a special Nutcracker-themed painting of Jarrold that has been designed by artist Lucy Loveheart. The original painting can be seen in Jarrold's Benji's restaurant.
Northern Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday. Tickets £8-£37.50. For more information and to book tickets visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.
Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk
