Tring Park Students set to shine in Nutcracker production
Tring Park School for the Performing Arts’ talented students will once again take to the stage in this year’s festive family favourite, Nutcracker, presented by English National Ballet.
Audiences in 2025 can look forward to seeing Tring Park School dancers take the stage in every performance, with the added magic of student singers lending their voices to the chorus across select dates.
It’s Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. A visit to Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium introduces Clara to an enchanted Nutcracker doll, setting in motion a magical journey. From a glittering Christmas party to a battle with the Rat King, Clara is swept away to a dazzling ice realm and the Land of Sweets & Delights, where the Sugar Plum Fairy hosts a grand celebration in her honour. With over 100 dancers and musicians, Nutcracker is the ultimate magical Christmas tradition.
Choreographed by Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith, the production promises a magical journey through Clara’s world of wonder and discovery. Selected through a competitive audition process, the Tring Park School performers aged between 11 to 14 began rehearsals in mid-October, bringing talent, energy and dedication to their roles.
Notable castings include students Jake as Freddie and Alessia as Louise/ornament, with 14-year-old Autumn securing the lead role of Clara. She said: ‘I’m so excited to be dancing with English National Ballet in this beloved Christmas production. Tring Park has helped me grow as a performer, offering incredible training and support, which has resulted in incredible opportunities like this one. Nutcracker is the highlight of my year.’
Another example of the fantastic talent involved this year is Jakob Wheway Hughes, a former student who won three awards at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne competition earlier this year, whilst at Tring Park School. Jakob is now an Artist with English National Ballet after securing a coveted position and will perform on various dates during the run.
Lorraine Jones, director of the dance course and head of dance at Tring Park School, adds: ‘Nutcracker is synonymous with ballet and Christmas, and we’re thrilled that our students continue to be part of this iconic tradition. It’s a dream come true for these young dancers, and now singers, and we couldn’t be prouder.’
Audiences can expect breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes and sets by Dick Bird, atmospheric lighting by Paul Pyant, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin says: ‘Nutcracker has always been at the heart of English National Ballet’s season. Its combination of tradition and wonder create a truly enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. We’re thrilled to welcome students from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts whose talent and passion will help make the magic happen on stage.’
The production runs at the London Coliseum from 11 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
For tickets and more information, visit ballet.org.uk.