English National Ballet: Mixed Programme and The Nutcracker

ONE of Britain's most popular ballets is brought to Southampton this week, courtesy of the English National Ballet.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is a seasonal favourite, and is the perfect way to get yourself in to a Christmasy mood, ready for a month or so of intense shopping.

The ballet tells the story of a young girl whose dream-world adventures include fantastical battles with the Mouse King and the transformation of her Nutcracker Doll into a handsome prince who whisks her away to the magical Land of Snow and every child's dream destination - the Land of Sweets.

The ENB will also be bringing a mixed programme of one-act ballets to the theatre this week.

The centre-piece of this show is Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, a new acquisition for the company from the renowned American choreographer Mark Morris.

The performance will open with Christopher Hampson's Double Concerto, winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Dance Award in the 2002 Barclays Theatre Awards, and close with Kenneth MacMillan's The Rite of Spring.

The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. Mixed Programme: 12 - 13 November, The Nutcracker: 14 - 16 November. Tickets from £10. Box office: -23 8071 1811.