Scottish Ballet offers a variety of events designed to provide an illuminating insight into the current programme. Find out more about free pre-show talks, Insights, Ballet Cafe and audio described performances for the visually impaired below. 

 

Pre-show talks

Join members of Scottish Ballet's Artistic and Music teams for a fascinating free half-hour insight into the making of The Nutcracker. An exciting opportunity to ask anything you ever wanted to know about Scottish Ballet! 

Tickets FREE but must be booked at the box office. 

The Nutcracker pre-show talks

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Thu 13th and Fri 14th December 2012 at 6.30pm
Box office: 0844 871 7647 

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Thu 10th and Sat 12th January 2013 at 6.30pm
Box office: 0131 529 6000 

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Thu 17th and Fri 18th January 2013 at 6.30pm
Box office: 01224 641122 

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Thu 24th and Sat 26th January 2013 at 6.30pm
Box office: 01463 234 234

 

Insights

Take a little time out to discover the inspirations behind The Nutcracker's choreography, characters, music and designs. These insights offer the fascinating experience of watching the Company taking class on stage and, time permitting, talking to one of the dancers about their career. 

Scottish Ballet currently offers two Insight events: a Family Insight, and an Insight suitable for ages 10+. 

Tickets: £5.50/£3.50 concession/£12 family of 4. (Family ticket only available at Family Insight events.) 

The Nutcracker Insights 

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Family Insight (ages 6+) - Saturday 15th December 2012 at 11am.
Box office: 0844 871 7647* 

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Family Insight (ages 6+) - Saturday 12th January 2013 at 11am.
Box office: 0131 529 6000*

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Family Insight (ages 6+) - Saturday 19th January 2013 at 11am.
Box office: 01224 641122* 

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Insight (for ages 6+) - Saturday 26th January 2013 at 11am.
Box office: 01463 234 234* 

*booking fee

 

Ballet Cafe

A fun and social afternoon for those aged 50+ where participants are invited to take part in a beginners' dance session, listen to an illustrated talk on The Nutcracker and relax for a chat over tea and cake. Participants will then have the choice of attending a performance on the same evening or the following day’s matinee. 

The Nutcracker Ballet Cafes

Glasgow (venue tbc)
Saturday 12th December 2012 at 2pm 

Edinburgh (venue tbc)
Wednesday 9th January 2013 at 2pm

Aberdeen (venue tbc)
Wednesday 16th January 2013 at 2pm

Inverness (venue tbc)
Wednesday 23rd January 2013 at 2pm

To book, contact Lorna Murray, Education Manager, on education@scottishballet.co.uk or 0141 331 6285.

 

Audio-described performances

Scottish Ballet provides live audio description for visually impaired patrons. Once patrons have booked to attend an audio described performance, they will receive a CD containing a brief synopsis of the ballet and detailed descriptions of characters, costumes and set. Cast lists and programme articles are also available in Braille or large print on request.

Prior to the described performance, a Touch Tour is offered: patrons gather in the stalls and have the opportunity to get up close to a selection of costumes and props as well as to ask questions about the production and learn some of the dance vocabulary which is used in the live description. 

Approximately 15 minutes before curtain up, the live description begins with a recap of the synopsis, characters, costumes and sets, and details the cast for the forthcoming performance. As the curtain rises, the audio description synchronises with the choreography. 

The Nutcracker audio described performances

Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Thu 20th December 2012 at 6pm
Box office: 0844 871 7647*

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Sat 12th January 2013 at 12.30pm
Box office: 0131 529 6000*

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
Saturday 19th January 2013 at 12.30pm.
Box office: 01224 641122*

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Saturday 26th January 2013 at 12.30pm.
Box office: 01463 234 234*  

*booking fee