A trio of festive specials are on their way to Sky Arts, spanning the quintessentially British world of the pantomime, Tchaikovsky’s globally renowned Nutcracker, and Matthew Bourne’s critically acclaimed dance production of Tim Burton favourite, Edward Scissorhands.

Phil Edgar Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, said: “We have lined up the most Christmassy Christmas for our Sky Arts audience this festive season, with three special trips to the theatre for the very best in dance with a brand new Nutracker from English National Ballet; an innovative movie-to-dance adaptation of Edward Scissorhands courtesy of Matthew Bourne, and Gyles Brandreth’s revealing tour of the world of pantomime. The back end of a horse was never so appealing.” 

This Christmas, Sky Arts goes behind the curtain with English National Ballet and their world premiere of a brand new production of Nutcracker. Having performed a version of the festive ballet every year since it was founded, this year sees the Company take a fresh approach, and the pressure is on to wow audiences more than ever before.  

This new series, Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet showcases what it takes to re-invent a globally renowned classic, seen through the eyes of all the key departments involved.  Join the Company’s own Artistic Director and Choreographer, Aaron S. Watkin, and Olivier Award-winning Choreographer, Arielle Smith, as well Designer, Dick Bird, the principal dancers, musicians, Music Director and costumiers as they unpack their craft and prepare to stage this iconic ballet. Two documentaries follow the meticulous preparations and the all-important rehearsals which build to the opening night. Audiences can then tune in to the full performance of Nutcracker, captured in all its magic at the London Coliseum.  

English National Ballet’s Artistic Director and joint Choreographer of Nutcracker, Aaron S. Watkin, said: “Nutcracker  holds a special place in English National Ballet’s history and in the hearts of our audiences. In 1950, we were one of the first UK companies to introduce the production into our repertoire and we have performed a version every year since. It’s wonderful to be able to open up the world of ballet as we work to bring new magic and wonder to this much-loved piece, offering real insight into what happens behind-the-scenes as a new production makes its way to the stage.” 

For many of us, a trip to the pantomime is our very first experience of live theatre and sparks a lifelong love-affair with the magic of performance. New one-off special, The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth, will see the author, broadcaster and all-round entertainer reveal some of the surprising origins of this uniquely British art-form. 

Panto-aficionado Gyles will immerse himself in every aspect of the genre, from its roots in commedia dell’arte and Victorian music hall to scene painting, slapstick and the making of a pantomime dame. He’ll be joined on his merry way (oh yes he will!) by pantomime experts including Julian Clary and Gary Wilmot, celebrating the panto in all its vibrant, joyful glory. 

Gyles Brandreth said: “Pantomime is the only uniquely British art-form and we’re telling the story of its past, present and future, exploring the state of panto in 2024 from the village hall to the London Palladium. Do join us!” 

Also coming to Sky Arts this Christmas is Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production based on Tim Burton’s classic film. Captivating audiences since its premiere in 2005, the production features the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, and has been praised for its wit, inventiveness, and emotional depth. Filmed live in March 2024 at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff, this arresting production tells the bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world. 

Listen to episode one of the Dance Bangers podcast, here.