The English National Ballet just can't keep away from The Mayflower theatre.

They graced the Southampton theatre's stage with their production of Swan Lake in March this year and are returning this month with their dazzling production of The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker is staged by acclaimed choreographer Christopher Hampson and celebrated cartoonist and designer Gerlad Scarfe.

The world-famous Tchaikovsky score will be performed live on stage at The Mayflower by a troupe of 64 dancers and full orchestra of the English National Ballet.

The eye-catching and energetic production of the classic story relives the story of Clara, a young girl who finds herself stumbling through an enchanted dreamworld. During her adventures in this magical land she discovers she must battle the famous mouse king.

All is not bad news for Clara because her nutcracker doll transforms into a handsome prince who whisks her away to the magical Land of Snow and the extraordinary Kingdom of Sweets.

The Mayflower theatre is well known for bringing the best production companies to Southampton and this production of The Nutcracker is to be no exception.

The English National Ballet is sure to whisk audiences away into a magical world, one that they will not forget.

The colourful and vivid ballet will run at Southampton's prestigious Mayflower theatre from December 7 to 11. Box office: 023 8071 1811.