The Nutcracker story guide

ACT I  |  ACT II

Clara flies through the clouds and arrives in a strange place where a fantastic world is conjured up by Drosselmeyer. She is still haunted by her nightmare visions of the Rat King, who she imagines is pursuing her, but the Nutcracker Prince and Drosselmeyer banish this apparition for ever. Drosselmeyer shows her the sun, the moon, flowers and dancers from many different lands, culminating in her transformation into the Sugar Plum Fairy, the ballerina of her dreams. The Nutcracker Prince reappears and dances with her. As the dancing reaches its climax the dream-world vanishes and Clara awakens at the foot of the Christmas tree.

PETER WRIGHT