The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 23

Tfie Guardian Saturday December 15 2001 23 Reviews Darcey Bussell makes a magical comeback Sophisticated panto reopens the Theatre Royal Dane Classical of Tchaikovsky's score. The enchanted Christmas tree in the Nutcracker's first act provides some of the best stage magic in town, but Cojocaru's dancing is the real miracle. Judith Mackrell In rep untilJanuary 5. Box office: 020-7304 4000. Theatre Gerald Flnley Wlgmore Hall.

London The Wigmore Hall's centenary tribute to Gerald Finzi ended with the most extensive of his settings of Thomas Hardy's words, Earth and Air and Rain. In fact, the baritone Gerald Finley and his pianist Julius Drake devoted their whole recital to English poetry: the Finzi collection was prefaced with songs by European composers to texts that, originally at least, were written in English. Shakespeare and Byron loomed largest in this sequence. The recital opened with Schubert's An Silvia (to words taken from Two Gentleman of Verona) and Standchen (from Cymbeline), delivered with restrained intimacy by Finley. Sibelius's dark, rather gruff reworkings of two of Feste's songs from Twelfth Night, and Korngold's English-language version of My Mistress' Eye from the same play, sickly sweet but seductively sung, signalled the end of the first half.

Four of Loewe's Byron settings offered something very different: theatrical declamation in Herodes Klage um Marianne, rather anonymous lyricism in Totenklage and Jordans Ufer, and something more intriguingly indeterminate in Die Sonne der Schlafosen, whose text in a different German version was set by Schumann in An den Mond. Most striking of all, though, was Die Fliichtlinge, with a text by Shelley, written at the very end of Schumann's life; it is a haunted melodrama that creates its own miniature genre. Earth and Air and Rain is not exactly a song cycle, though the sequence is very carefully balanced and ordered around the cyclic themes of transience and permanence. But it contains some of Finzi's finest settings, and that, as this series of concerts and the rest of the centenary offerings has reminded us, is saying quite a lot. The jaunty, bracing When I Set Out for Lyonnesse is his best-known song, delivered by Finley with a swagger that was gradually transmuted into mystery.

The deceptively simple Waiting Both is as perfectly formed as one could imagine, while in To Lizbie Browne and The Clock of the Years the music fits the words like a glove. Finley and Drake paced them all tactfully, precisely mediating between relaxed storytelling and rapt introspection. Here was very fine singing of truly great songs. Andrew Clements Read al trite week's arts news and reviews at 1 1 Class war and bad hairdos Just as Gordon Brown threatens to kill the New Labour project by raising taxes to fund public services, class war and old-fashioned envy has reared its head in Brookside (Channel 4). Sammy Rogers has returned to the Go.se to comfort sister Katie, now that the Dixons have ruined her life: "Them Dixons would love to see you like this sitting crying and worrying while they're out Christmas shopping and planning their next Revenge on the upwardly mobile! Death, or at least misery, to class traitors! It's tike Brookie's early days, when the aspiring Doreen Corkhill and reluctant hubby Billy were set against the staunchly socialist Sheila and Bobby Grant.

Only this time, it has added melodrama and subtracted acting ability. Thus Sammy has set out to seduce Max Farnham to "ruin that bitch's That bitch is Jacqui, who doesn't seem to need any help messing up her life. She has already gone into business with Lindscy Corkhill, given away her baby, tried to get it back, and married Max (who killed Susannah, remember); now she spends her days going round to brother Mike's to grind his self-esteem into dust. And she hasn't had a new hairdo in months. Things must be bad.

Sammy's initial attempts to inveigle her way into Max's affections have gone well, even though her technique is hardly subtle. During their conversation about resolving the Katie-Jacqui feud, there was so much meaningful hand touching, gazing into Max's eyes and triple entendres, it was a wonder Sammy didn't just slip on a T-shirt emblazoned with the legend I'm Sammy, Fly Me. Even Katie seems disturbed by Sammy's course of action. A sledgehammer to crack a nut, possibly? It'll all end in tears. Probably mine.

Over at Jimmy's, meanwhile, Emily and Tim have been appearing in their knickers. This is thoroughly gratuitous, but we love that Emily, when she has clothes' on, has begun dressing as Frenchy from Grease. She might dye her hair Irn Bru orange and start hallucinating Frankie Avalon, which can only mean a guest appearance and another dreadful popstar contaminating Soap Land. It's endemic: Kathy is leaving Emmerdale because Marti Pellow pops up in the Woolpack to serenade her. Whatever next? Tony Hadley appearing in EastEnders? You heard it here first.

Oareth McLean The Nutcracker Royal Opera House, London The affectionate roar that greeted Darcey Bussell's return to the Opera House on Thursday night would reassure any dancer who had just spent a year off the stage. But it must have been specially comforting to Bussell given that she was making her comeback in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is a cameo appearance compared with most ballerina roles it's only a 10-minute pas de deux. But the opening section is spiked with some unusually tough lifts, the music accelerates into tricky speeds, and the dance comes right at the end of the ballet, launching its performers into centre-stage virtuosity without any preparation. Bussell's nerves were certainly in evidence.

Though she looked thrilled to be on stage, her normally effortless smile was slightly rigid with anticipation and her upper back (always a problem area for her) was a little tense. But much of her old form was brilliantly in place. No one else can embrace the stage with such sunny grandeur or move with such plush assurance. And there were moments the reckless abandon with which she flew at her Prince (lovely, selfless Jonathan Cope), and teased out footwork of regal wit in her solo that reminded Covent Garden of all that it had missed during the past 12 months. Bussell's return was the icing on a more or less perfect cake.

This Nutcracker, poised deliciously between wonder and fun, is my favourite of all traditional versions, and Thursday's cast was exemplary. Luke Heydon as Drosselmeyer may not flaunt his magician's cloak with the glamour of the retired Anthony Dowell, but he performs his conjuring tricks like a pro and creates a character who seems genuinely in the grip of an urgent moral destiny. The undercurrents of despair, impatience and anger that fuel his midnight machinations make this a real fairy tale, not a confection. If Heydon digs into aspects of the Hoffmann tale for his inspiration, Alina Cojocaru and Ivan Putrov as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince find theirs in the tender romance of Tchaikovsky's score. As pubescent lovers they are sweet and ardent.

Putrov dances with a modest, vaulting heroism, a steadfast soldier as well as a golden boy, while Cojocaru produces an unstoppable stream of airy, musically perfect steps. The role of Clara is wonderfully suited to her: wide-eyed at the glitter around her, Cojocaru also looks as if she has been able to wave some internal magic wand and fly off on the notes Weather i A iocy I 1 MP -JL 3L (w, lwMy lSoO Oo24 Van I VioiiX PL iX ldos Busses' end Jonathan Cope In The Nutcracker Photograph: Tristram Kenton Aladdin Theatre Royal Stratford East, London It's quite like old times. After nearly four years of closure for a 7m refurbishment programme, this beloved Victorian theatre is back in business. Bar, foyer and backstage are all much improved but the red-plush auditorium retains its intimate charm. The new Aladdin, with book and lyrics by David Cregan and music by Brian Protheroe, is also in tune with Stratford tradition, in that it puts the emphasis squarely on storytelling and imaginative design.

Cregan starts with Abenazar, played by Protheroe himself with the camp relish of Vincent Price, plotting to use Aladdin to gain the magic lamp and ultimately global power. Mercifully there are no topical allusions, but there are several ingenious twists to an old tale. It's implied that the working-class Aladdin, by falling in love with the Chinese Princess, helps to liberate a stuffy, ossified, peculiarly unhygienic court. There's also more than a hint that Aladdin's weaver mum, a wonderfully gravel-voiced, blue-chinned Michael Bertenshaw, is corrupted by sudden wealth. And at the end there is a salutary reminder that "there's no magic without the magic of another human It's not often these days you see such a narrative-driven panto.

But what really gives the show a kick is Jenny Tiramani's striking design. Instead of a front curtain there is a gigantic red Chinese fan that parts to reveal some highly sophisticated images. There's a touch of Brecht's Turandot in the sight of Chinese water-carriers rushing around a revolving stage. And Beckett's Not I comes to mind in the embodiment of the Genie of the Lamp as a large red mouth with glistening white molars: "It's Billie Whitelaw," cried a knowing voice behind me. Strands of suspended roses also neatly evoke the luxury of a Chinese dream palace.

Occasionally I longed for a touch of irrelevant vulgarity. But the children in the audience were audibly delighted, and Kerry Michael's production contains particularly good performances from Kat as an athletic, hip-hopping Aladdin and from Darlene Johnson as a minor genie magically producing lanterns from the folds of her sleeve. For anyone coming by car, 9 1ft 73 Situation at easterly winds. Max temp 5-8C (41-46F). Tonight cloudy.

Min temp 0-3C (32-37F). NWASW Scotland, NSW Islss, tretand: Rather cloudy with a few bright spells. Light south to south-easterly winds. Max temp 4-7C (39-4SF). Tonight clear spells.

Min temp 1-4C (34-39F). Outlook: Remaining rather dull in the UK on Sunday and Monday. The best of any bright weather will be in western parts. Trough 1 story, music, a few fairy lights and a gaggle of good actor-musicians. It has such a sense of playfulness and such complete faith in its own magic that it casts a spell over everyone, whether I they are four or 40.

It makes an old story seems completely new. I This isn't a musical in the traditional lefs-stop-for-a- song sense: Sarah Travis's haunting music is so integral to the thrust and emotional tenor of the piece that it feels threaded through, like the gorgeous golden threads i in a marvellous tapestry. It follows you out of the theatre and into your dreams. Lyn Gardner UntilJanuary 12. Boxoffice: 0163546044.

Son Rain TompX Masakar Quick Crossword No.9866 Britain. John Doyle has produced some very superior music theatre at this address in recent years, deservedly winning this year's TMA Barclays regional theatre award for best musical for his brilliant smash-and-grab raid on Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers. This is no less innovative, even if it is on a more minute scale than most shows at the Watermill and has the very young in mind. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in imagination, refusing the limits that often make family shows seem so dwarfish. Doyle takes the archetypal fairy tale and offers some compelling differences.

Cinderella's father is now a down-at-heel, anything-for-a- 16 61 Cloudy -11 12 Sumy 36 Ust 22 72 Cloudy -5 23 Sunny 70 Cloudy FiaptM 5 41 Pnlrra HaDt. 19 66 Cloudy 6 21 Fair 18 64 ar 14 57 Cloudy 25 77 Ram 26 79 Fan -iLSua 18 64 Fair 12 10 Sumy No. York 1152 Mrs! Opono -1 30 Ran -1 30 Sunny 26 79 Sumy -9 16 Mat 37 cioody 19 66 Far 68Cloudy 30 86 Ooudv 29 84 Ooudi 9 48 Cloudy 14 57 Far moalsJan. 22 72 Cbudy Rons 7 45 Ram 24 75 Cloudy 30 86 Srorrm 12 64 Sunny 88 Far 17 63 Ram 73 Cloudy 12 54 Fog 39 Sunny aPasansTi -I 30 CHwdy -5 23 Sumy 25 77 ShMm 20 68 Sunny 16 61 Far 21 70 OouoV 4 25 Sunny 41 Sunny 48 Ctoudy 19 66 Far 14 57 far 19 66Sunry 73 Far 34 Sunny 90 djuo. 13 55 Far 11 52 OniA -1014 Sunny 43 WW 1 12 Snon Reports for noon yfstefdty IprvvoutdJyrMrVnencaK) i 8 1 19 I i I XHou 0 001 7 ClourV Loads 2jL "0 6 5 Bngrn a 0 7 4 Did Lauchan rv'a London 0 1 Surrjy Loooatolt 36 0 4 2 'Surny Iraancriootsr 65 001 5 1 Sumy Margata 70 0 5 1 Sumy IMnolMMd na" Worocarnbo 3 1 J) 7 1 Bngni IWcasraa 0 02 7 6 Cloudy Wloquay 6 4" 001 5 2 Sunny Sunny grandeur Darcaiy penetrating the circle in which the restored theatre now sits is a bit like getti tig inside Aladdin's cave; but it's well worth the effort for the sake of the riches within Michael Billlnyton UntilJanuary 26.

Boxoffice: 0J0-85340310. Theatre Cinderella arid the Enchanted Slipper Watermill, Newbury Here is an enchanting variation on the Cinderella story, staged in the most enchanting small theatre in Around the world' Fan Florttlc 2 I FranMurt Funcl1.1l Gwmv.1 HancI Marat. Hwiill MrfiL Hongkong mbniek wamt Joru.y)lam Ummuc Kataanl KjthTJTl Wtlgillon ImVH Urni" Ustx London 43 Mt Brussels 2 28 Sumi 5 23 Sunny Cairo 19 S4JW7 Calcutta 22 72 Sunny I CjrpojlMim il 88 Sunny I Caraca JO 36 Caublanca '20 68 Chicago 43 Cloudy CMstehuTchl9 66 Fa, C09whaMMfl2 36 Cloudy 1 U90a, Lurambourp, acVkl Majo-i: Wala.il Malta Motatrfiw MnKt'Or lltorrt" mm' Isornhtto Corfu 11 52 Cloudy Dakar 30 86 Cluudy Dabs 6 43 3 3 7 Fa, 24" 75 Far' 7" 45 Far SflteHlte prsdlctiint Mm saw MtJirM 16 61 16 56 89 1 17 27 6BF.HT SS 18 27 18 29 42W KS J650 16 56 59S 21 17-28 63EN lis 18 26 18 29 46SW tl'ltr f-tru "ctcs S6ur Fnomor was 9 ti. wndorl rcirrcw nay Wad IM ISS bv 50 arron London, laft Doc 19. Scrri ends 5 49 Far 559 Zunr 11 58 sr 1402 MaorrO 1554 Isnaa 1744 Hardens! sdkjsliiismi iilrMln: Brm qnam .1 .3 3 .6 Ca-dfl .12.

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This is an effective reminder of the huge impact you can make in the theatre with a well-thought-out abound Britain Rain TarrsyC Woaaor ai (dl UUl 0 02 2 -1 "Sumy 0 3 Sunny" 1 sunny Sun and moon LandanBlQ 0149 70m 1406 7 0m 1104 6 cm 2328 6 5m 1122 94m 2343 "9 2m 0012 34m 1248 3 6m 0615 8 5m 1836 8 5m 07IS 13 Cm 1936 12 9m 0436 5 5m 1657 5 4m JJ227 5 5m 1445 5 5m 0649 "2 3m 1906 2 1m 01 1 1 4 3m 1328 4 3m 1114 36m 2333 3 5m 0901 471 J5. 01 roi (day) 0 tror-7 r-fiouoy Anganay 60 0 7 0 Sunny Aapatrta 0 0 6 6 Ooudy Arlomora 0 0 2 -J Crudy Blast 0 fl 7 7 "Ciwd, Brnngrtarn jh 0 3 1 Sunny lognor Ragri "7 1 0 "4 1 Sumy Bountornordli na Bristol 6 7 0 5 1 Sunny 1 Buxton 6 1 oar 49 StcMrT 59 Mnnir, ST 0 5 1 BWSL 56-0" 52'-Sumt flmlu na FasSbumo S. HrnSrTr "0" 001 5" 3 Cloudy" I tBslainiuir "0" 601 5" 4 Ram ErmouBl 65 0 Sumy raanouan T5 6 8 5 Brt FMiguard 6f'0 "5 "1 "Sunny Fraiostono 'a Ooaoorr 0 5 Cta" Guornaoy 6 7 0 8 4 Sumy Haabngs 0 4 0 Sumy SgSmV' 6f 6 "3 1" "-uny HStlraloV 6 5 0 5 0 Si.rny Hoop na Itapatarrlon 66 0 5 -1 SuRiy aWlcofilPo y'a Mo of Wan 42 0 "7 "7 Sunny" Hao71Wgr 6 5 0 4 1 Sunny I JsrOOT 75 0 5 0 Sunny faBBBBiaaai lurtrtaaa OBOO I I Ion aata 1552 I I IHoonoati 1622 I I Moonraras 0836 IsaaaojjjJ fifiToVsTtji Dec 22nd MsjhtMfM LrtsHiaTjersa)e PytedoFTjwyi 00 1 1 1 1 1 cm 16 17 113 17 occluded from Bombay 36 95 Sumy "0 4-1 Sunny rMlt1co 57 0 9 7 Junrry L50.p l.SwTt PnajtarIL 6 5 0 5 1 Li iunny Saunton 73 0 7 1 Surrry Scartwrough 0 0 5 2 CJoudy 4roonor)r 60 001 3 2 Sunny Skayrum 53 0 5 4 Sumy Southand "76 "0 6 2 Sumy SoulnDort 0 5 BrKM 1 aordaaua 2 28 Sumy BWt I 6 Noon today. High will drift slowly westward to the norther Scotland and will maintain central pressure. Soufhooa na StwiMoay 0 0 7 4 IX Swanago 64 0 6 2 Sumy TalytnwuBt na Tordj 620 it Sumy flroo 0 0 8 7 Cloudy Tonjusy 46 0 02 6 4 Sunny Dsayiiioidn 6 9 0 4 3 Sunny oaaaaiBBBH wnitaea I I larnsta I I Soonaaai nil I I Moonrlao, 0935 haBaaBBBal Broliiiansi Mostly cloudy and dry.

A few bright spells in the west. London, SEA Cent 8 England, Anojia, Mostly cloudy with just the odd bright spell. A little drizzle close to the east coast but otherwise mainly dry. Light east to north-easterly winds. Max temp 3-6C (37-43F).

Tonight, cloudy. Min temp 0-3C(32-37F). ChanrMl Is, SW England, SAN Wales: Dry with a few bright spells but also a fair amount of low cloud. The best of the sunshine will be along western coasts. Gentle to moderate easterly winds, fresh in the English Channel.

Max temp 3-6C (37-43F). Tonight, clear spells. Min temp 0-3C (32-37F). ME MW England, Yorhs, lines: Mostly dull with drizzle along the east coast and over higher ground. Occasional bright spells in the west Light east to northeasterly winds.

Max temp 4-7C(39-45F). Tonight, cloudy. Min temp 1-4C (34-39F). Ml SE Scotland: A grey day with patchy drizzle close to the east coast and only the odd bright spell. Light Met On report For 24 hours lo 5om yesterday 0801 1552 0228 7 0m 1448 7 lm 1145" 6 6m 1201 9 3m 0054 3 4m 1323 3 6m 0700 8 4m 1916 8 5m 0754 13lm 2015 128m 0516" 5 5m 1736 5 3m 0312 5 5m 1626 5 5m 0725" 3m 1942 2 lm 0155 4 3m 1406 4 3m 0009 3 9m 1229 3 9m area number Carhnoss, Orhnoys ft Shet 26 nd 21 HJMaflwud mmncm.

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