THERE has been plenty of snow at the Empire theatre recently - thanks to a very atmospheric White Christmas courtesy of the Birkenhead Operatic Society.

Snowflakes are in abundance in the latest production of the Nutcracker by the English National Ballet with their trademark attention to detail in every aspect of live, accessible ballet.

This vibrant version from choreographer Wayne Eagling was first seen in 2010 and is like a huge pop-up book - a glorious visual treat for the eyes.

Conductor Gavin Sutherland and the orchestra are faultless with the sweeping majesty, whimsy and melancholy of Tchaikovsky.

The dancing, as always, is near perfect from the pure pirouetting bliss to grace and elegance.

The Nutcracker story is timeless and there have been many adaptations that have veered off the traditional route.

I always come back to this type of interpretation - a world where drreams clash with real life.

The Nutcracker captures the child and romantic in all of us.

Here designer Peter Farmer has created set of jaw-dropping proportions.

From an Edwardian house - interior and exterior - stunning costumes and spot-on lighting keep the wide-aged group audience entranced.

The nicely-paced narrative of the first half featured the Christmas Eve events for young Clara (Amy Jones) and Freddie (Seamus McIntosh).

And the "dance shows within a show" framework of the second half included magical celebrations of Spain and Russia.

Clara (Lauretta Summerscales) proved an audience favourite as the Sugar Plum Fairy; she glided and soared across the huge Empire stage which is ideal for such a lavish production..

Junor Souza as Nutcracker and Emlio Paven as confident Nephew add the right chemistry throughout.

Both are agile storytellers with their feet and body language alone.

Every set is a joy and a Christmas tree that changes colour is a delicious delight - gaining wide appreciation from the younger members of the audience.

James Streeter is magical as the enigmatic Drosselmeyer.

The dream sequence is simply breath-taking: hussars and cheeky mice battling it out.

Special mention must go to Mouse King (Daniel Kraus) a likeable rodent with attitude..

This Nutcracker offers many surprises, plenty of humour and beautiful ballet performed in front of first class backdrops.

A wonderful hot air balloon sums up the adventurous nature of this cracking festive family production..

Globe verdict: Mesmerising. Five Stars.

Until Saturday.

Tickets: 08448 713 017.