The Nutcracker and I

Through a specially adapted version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu tells the charming story of her dream to play the piano as a young girl. Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell plays the part of the young Dariescu, who is given a nutcracker for Christmas, only for it to transform into a Prince, guide her through the Land of Sweets and help her become a pianist. Her encounters with various characters, including the Mouse King and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy, are all cues for Dariescu’s virtuosic yet utterly delightful performances of movements from the great ballet.