RUSSIAN National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker

will be staged at Runcorn's Brindley Theatre next month.

The performance - on Sunday October 20 - is among the jewels of Tchaikovsky's repertoire and an eternal seasonal favourite.

A charming and kindly fairy tale, the Christmas tale is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King written by E T A Hoffmann.

It tells the story of Marie, a sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeier gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve.

In her lively imagination it turns into a prince and the magic starts …

A spokesman for The Brindley said: "This promises to be an unforgettable journey in the run-up to Christmas and an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet.

"A wonderful treat full of glitter for the whole family!"

For details go to www.russian-national-ballet.com

There are two performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets from www.thebrindley.org.uk or 0151 907 8360.