A MAGICAL Christmas story will be played out in Leeds in December with performances of The Nutcracker.

The Northern Ballet production is being billed as the ultimate family adventure and will be at the Leeds Grand Theatre from December 16 to January 2 as part of a UK tour.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, The Nutcracker will feature choreography and beautiful costumes by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon, stunning Regency style sets by Charles Cusick Smith and lighting by Mark Jonathan.

In the midst of a festive party, as the fire crackles and the pile of presents grows ever higher, Clara is caught up in the warmth and excitement of Christmas and becomes enthralled by her new Nutcracker doll. But, as the clock strikes midnight, her Nutcracker proves to be no ordinary toy and Clara is whisked away on the magical journey of a lifetime through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy.

David Nixon OBE, said: "The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most popular classical ballets and holds a special place in the hearts of audiences young and old. We are delighted to once again revive this charming story and add that extra bit of sparkle to the festive season for audiences across our touring venues.’

Tickets for all venues are on sale now. For booking information see northernballet.com/nutcracker.

David Nixon has been Artistic Director of Northern Ballet since 2001 and has added an impressive array of new works to the repertoire including the hugely popular Madame Butterfly, Wuthering Heights, the Gershwin extravaganza I Got

Rhythm, Swan Lake ,Peter Pan, Dracula, The Three Musketeers, A Sleeping Beauty Tale, The Nutcracker, Hamlet, Cleopatra, Beauty & the Beast and The Great Gatsby. Most recently, he created Cinderella which premiered in 2013.

His productions have been staged worldwide, including Europe, Canada, the USA and South Africa.

Charles Cusick Smith has worked in the UK and internationally, designing opera, ballet, drama, musicals and pantomime, with productions including Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and Cavelleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, Nabucco, Aida, Otello, and Der Rosenkavalier