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28/01/2025

Interview: Scottish Ballet Principal dancer Marge Hendrick - Newcastle Theatre Royal


Bringing the magic of the nutcracker to life - An interview with Scottish Ballet Principal dancer Marge Hendrick

Scottish Ballet - The Nutcracker 

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Thursday 6 – Saturday 8 February 2025

Experience the wonder of The Nutcracker when Scottish Ballet bring this enchanting classic to Newcastle Theatre Royal. Known for her captivating artistry, Principal dancer Marge Hendrick has performed many unforgettable roles since joining the company in 2014. However, few are as iconic - or as challenging - as the Sugar Plum Fairy. In this interview, Marge shares her insights into what it takes to bring the magic of The Nutcracker to life on stage...


Tell us about your first experience of seeing The Nutcracker?

It was with Scottish Ballet in 2014. I had actually never seen it prior to joining the company as a dancer, aged 19. At the time, Sophie Martin (former Scottish Ballet Principal) was performing the Sugar Plum Fairy. I remember being amazed by her performance, and how she made everything look so easy. Now that I’m performing it... I know that it’s certainly not easy!


When was your first experience performing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy?
It was in 2021, the first winter after my promotion to Principal. I felt a lot of pressure as it was the most difficult role I’d ever performed. Everything looks nice, pretty and cute... but in reality, it’s really very tough. Between each section of choreography you just don’t stop. There’s about a minute during the Prince’s solo when I can quickly catch my breath!
 


How do you feel when performing this role?
I get particularly emotional when performing the pas de deux. My Partner, Principal Evan Loudon, and I have great chemistry and he makes me feel so at ease that I can let go and lose myself in the moment. We often exchange a few moments of eye-contact in the wings opposite each other just before we go on. It’s just a small silent nod of encouragement, but an important moment we share to ease our nerves. When stepping off stage I feel such a sense of relief, I’m exhausted but also feel so much joy and a sense of achievement.

What is your favourite part of performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy?
I really like how the costume makes me feel, it’s very regal. The necklace and the crown just complete the look, the way they sparkle is super pretty. I’m excited to perform the pas de deux in my costume to that iconic music again, it is all so beautiful.



What are the challenging aspects?
Definitely the level of endurance required, but now that I’ve done it before, I feel somewhat prepared — it’s in my DNA. I think everyone who performs Sugar Plum can relate to the moment when you hear the final notes of ‘The Waltz of the Flowers’ which go ‘Duh, duh, de, duh... ’ (Marge laughs) — you can really feel your guts turning. In that moment I try to really focus and tell myself, ‘you’ve got this’.

With its breathtaking choreography, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and stunning performances by Scottish Ballet’s world-class dancers, The Nutcracker is a magical experience for audiences of all ages. 

Photos: Andy Ross

Tickets:

The Nutcracker plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Thursday 6 - Saturday 8 February 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.


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