The McOnie Company have brought something special to the Southbank for Christmas, a brilliant mix of Tchaikovsky, Jazz and dance at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, writes Michael Holland.
Choreographer Drew McOnie has adapted an iconic Christmas story for a modern audience and brought in an expert team to help him realise his dream of giving Nutcracker a twist that brings it right into the 21st century without having to lose any of its essence.
The girl in the story is now Clive, a boy with a father who wants him to be more manly. He buys him an Action Man for Christmas but Clive relates more to the fairy atop the tree. Through dance we see how choices and sexuality are nothing to be ashamed of but can bring people together.
Six dancers pirouetted and leapt in this intimate space as they told the story that many of us know, to music that we know. There is a Sugar Plum Fairy causing the usual conflicts that having a pretty woman around brings when there are lots of men, but the battles are fought with moves that veered between ballet and modern dance with echoes of Bob Fosse, although without the Jazz hands.
But the foundation upon which all this worked was the band playing Tchaikovsky tunes with Mercury Prize nominee Cassie Kinoshi composing the Jazzy touch that Nutcracker needed to make it cool in this pop-up club. Under the guidance of Musical Director and double bass player Rio Kai, this foursome hit all the right notes in all the right order for them and the dancers to look good.
For me, it was Parthenope Wald-Harding on saxophone and flute who stood out, and I guess that is the reason she was placed front and centre. Her playing was far more advanced than her tender 21 years should allow; Jazz must be running through her veins, the life-force that keeps her alive.
Even if you are not a fan of dance, Jazz or classical music, in this combination Nutcracker is a joy for anyone.
Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX until January 6th.
Times: Various. Admission: £20 – £65 (Table for 2 – £150)
