There is a real pre-Christmas treat for ballet fans at the Theatre Royal all this week.

It's a fine and dazzling production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, choreographed by the legendary Yuri Grigorevich from his original production for the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, which was premiered back in 1966.

This production, slightly revised, is being given by the Chisinau National Ballet of Moldavia and produced by Ellen Kent's Opera And Ballet International.

Grigorevich gives us an absolutely straight version of Hoffman's original story but this production is danced so fluidly and with such enthusiasm it seems to race along and the young cast are so light on their feet it is as if they are flying.

On a smallish stage it is a dazzling and magical piece which will delight ballet fans of all ages. The orchestra gives a splendid and rousing performance and you cannot avoid a tremendous whiff of Russia.

Showing until Saturday, October 29, call 08700 606650.