Yet a young classical company is currently delighting audiences around the UK with a satisfying, and intentionally traditional version of The Nutcracker. The crimson plush and colonnaded Albert Hall was the perfect setting for an English Victorian Christmas treat. Irina Kolesnikova led the 1930s Vainonen version with its elegant Act I party dances, while the company coped admirably with exigencies of the limited stage facilities.


Only in its eleventh year, STPBT has developed an artistic ethos all of its own, and unlike many ad hoc touring foreign ballet companies, quality clearly comes first.


Already a world class talent, Kolesnikova improves year on year with her passion, obvious perfectionism and inimitable technique. What a sensation she would be on the Opera House stage. Not to be missed.