BEAMED into Forum Theatre, Malvern, live from Moscow is a Christmas cracker of a performance - Bolshoi Broadcast's The Nutcracker.

The performance will be screened live at the theatre on Sunday, December 21 at 3pm.

The well-loved festive classic begins on Christmas Eve when Marie’s godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a strange toy - a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man.

At midnight, when the celebrations are over, all the toys magically come to life.

The nutcracker grows to human size and takes charge of the tin soldiers, flying to the rescue of Marie, who is threatened by the Mouse King and his mouse army.

Based on ETA Hoffmann’s story, The Nutcracker is one of the greatest classics in the world.

In the leading parts are Anna Nikulina and Denis Rodkin whose duet has begun its life at the recent first night of A Legend of Love.

Mr Rodkin will make his debut as Nutcracker-Prince two days before the broadcasting day.

With iconic music by Tchaikovsk, and enchanting sets and costumes, the beautiful tale explores the universal themes of love, power and evil.

In the choreographic version, created for the Bolshoi by Yuri Grigorovich, is full of romanticism and philosophical reflections on ideal love.

Masterfully interpreted by the Bolshoi dancers, it will enchant the whole family for the festive season, proving that one is never too young or too old to be swept away by The Nutcracker.

Tickets cost £11.20 and are available by calling 01684 892277 or online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.