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Sir Peter Wright, BRB's director until 1995, gifted the city of Birmingham his brand-new production of The Nutcracker as part of the Company's first season in Birmingham in 1990.
Created as a tribute to the city for welcoming the Company following its move from London, this Tchaikovsky classic has grown into a beloved annual tradition and a defining part of the West Midlands' festive season.
When I was director, I introduced productions of the great classical ballets for BRB, including The Nutcracker. A classical ballet company needs those ballets on which to base its standards, and all the ones I created worked extremely well – they are wonderfully designed.Sir Peter Wright, Founding Director Laureate
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Miyako Yoshida as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Petter Jacobsson as the Prince.
© 1990 Credit : Leslie E. Spatt
Joseph Cipolla as Drosselmeyer and James Bailey as his Assistant.
© 1990 Credit : Leslie E. Spatt
Artists of Birmingham Royal Ballet in the Snow Scene.
© 1990 Credit : Leslie E. Spatt
Sandra Madgwick as Clara and Joseph Cipolla as Drosselmeyer.
© 1990 Credit : Leslie E. Spatt
Artists of Birmingham Royal Ballet in the Party Scene.
© 1990 Credit : Leslie E. SpattAbout Sir Peter
Sir Peter Wright is one of Britain's most influential ballet directors and choreographers. He began his dance training with Kurt Jooss and Vera Volkova, before joining Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet (BRB's name from 1946-1977) and eventually becoming a key figure in the Company's artistic development. He served as Director of Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet (BRB's name from 1977-1990) from 1977-1995, and oversaw the Company's move from London to Birmingham in 1990, where it became Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Sir Peter is celebrated for his definitive productions of the classical repertory, including his much-loved Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. His work has earned numerous honours, including CBE, a knighthood, and honorary doctorates. In 2022 he was honoured as Founding Director Laureate of BRB.
