THE Nutcracker is one of those things, like panto, hot chestnuts and mulled wine, which heralds the coming of Christmas. Based on the story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, The Nutcracker ballet was commissioned in 1891 and Tchaikovsky’s musical delight was born.

Even if you haven’t seen the ballet before or don’t know the story you will recognise movements within the suite, not least because of the Cadbury’s advert set to Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy!

Although this production at the Theatre Royal Windsor is lacking the atmospheric addition of a full orchestra, this doesn’t affect the charming performance by the Vienna Festival Ballet.

The ethos of the ballet company is to bring affordable ballet to everyone, and they do indeed do this; tickets to this performance cost between £11 and £31.50, a fraction of the price of a ticket to see The Nutcracker at one of the London theatres.

At certain points you can see why; the lack of an orchestra for one, and there are a couple of wobbles here and there, but all of this adds to the general sense that this is The Nutcracker as it should be.

The delightful Christmas story of the ballet is set in the dream world of Clara, a young girl who has been given a Nutcracker doll as a present. In her dream she fights off the Mouse King and in thanks the Nutcracker Prince dances her off to the Kingdom of Sweets via the Kingdom of Snow.

All of the performers are brilliant in their roles, both as dancers and actors. Personal highlights included Joseph Mackie-Graves as Uncle Drosselmeyer and as one of the hilarious Harlequins, Melanie Cox as a feisty young Clara, Richard Hackett as the magnificent Nutcracker and Georgina Rose Connolly in all of her roles, but in particular as the outrageously sensual Arabian princess.

The choreography by Sheila Styles contains refreshingly modern humour, particularly from the mice in their ruffled costumes, and the entire production exudes personality. So although it may not have the slick experience of larger companies, it cannot be beaten for charm and spirit; a perfect Christmas treat for all the family.

The Nutcracker runs until Saturday 12th November at theatre Royal Windsor. Go to www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.