
Sky Arts announces Christmas specials including Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet, The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth, and Edward ScissorhandsThursday 3 October 2024
Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne's dance version of Tim Burton's classic
The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth
Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet
Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne's dance version of Tim Burton's classic
The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth
A trio of festive specials are on their way to Sky Arts, spanning the quintessentially British world of the pantomime, Tchaikovsky's globally renowned Nutcracker, and Matthew Bourne's critically acclaimed dance production of Tim Burton favourite, Edward Scissorhands.
Phil Edgar Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, said: We have lined up the most Christmassy Christmas for our Sky Arts audience this festive season, with three special trips to the theatre for the very best in dance with a brand new Nutracker from English National Ballet; an innovative movie-to-dance adaptation of Edward Scissorhands courtesy of Matthew Bourne, and Gyles Brandreth's revealing tour of the world of pantomime. The back end of a horse was never so appealing.
This Christmas, Sky Arts goes behind the curtain with English National Ballet and their world premiere of a brand new production of Nutcracker. Having performed a version of the festive ballet every year since it was founded, this year sees the Company take a fresh approach, and the pressure is on to wow audiences more than ever before.
This new series, Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet showcases what it takes to re-invent a globally renowned classic, seen through the eyes of all the key departments involved. Join the Company's own Artistic Director and Choreographer, Aaron S. Watkin, and Olivier Award-winning Choreographer, Arielle Smith, as well Designer, Dick Bird, the principal dancers, musicians, Music Director and costumiers as they unpack their craft and prepare to stage this iconic ballet. Two documentaries follow the meticulous preparations and the all-important rehearsals which build to the opening night. Audiences can then tune in to the full performance of Nutcracker, captured in all its magic at the London Coliseum.
English National Ballet's Artistic Director and joint Choreographer of Nutcracker, Aaron S. Watkin, said: Nutcracker holds a special place in English National Ballet's history and in the hearts of our audiences. In 1950, we were one of the first UK companies to introduce the production into our repertoire and we have performed a version every year since. It's wonderful to be able to open up the world of ballet as we work to bring new magic and wonder to this much-loved piece, offering real insight into what happens behind-the-scenes as a new production makes its way to the stage.
For many of us, a trip to the pantomime is our very first experience of live theatre and sparks a lifelong love-affair with the magic of performance. New one-off special, The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth, will see the author, broadcaster and all-round entertainer reveal some of the surprising origins of this uniquely British art-form.
Panto-aficionado Gyles will immerse himself in every aspect of the genre, from its roots in commedia dell'arte and Victorian music hall to scene painting, slapstick and the making of a pantomime dame. He'll be joined on his merry way (oh yes he will!) by pantomime experts including Julian Clary and Gary Wilmot, celebrating the panto in all its vibrant, joyful glory.
Gyles Brandreth said: Pantomime is the only uniquely British art-form and were telling the story of its past, present and future, exploring the state of panto in 2024 from the village hall to the London Palladium. Do join us!"
Also coming to Sky Arts this Christmas is Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne's magical dance production based on Tim Burton's classic film. Captivating audiences since its premiere in 2005, the production features the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, and has been praised for its wit, inventiveness, and emotional depth. Filmed live in March 2024 at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff, this arresting production tells the bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.
Sky Arts programmes are commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky for C cile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer for Sky.
Notes to Editors
Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet (2x60, 1x120)
TX: Weekly from 9 December
Nutcracker: Backstage with English National Ballet is produced by Cornerstone Studios. Beren Money serves as Executive Producer, with Maureen MacPhee as Director of Production. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Benedetta Pinelli.
For more information, please contact Molly.Wyatt@sky.uk
The Story of Panto (1x60)
TX: 16 December
The Story of Panto is produced by Factory Films. The Executive Producers are Lisa Fairbank and Julie Heathcote. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Leanne Cosby.
For more information, please contact Lucy.Butterfield@sky.uk
Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne's dance version of Tim Burton's classic (1x95)
TX: Coming this Christmas
For more information, please contact Oyinlola.Oyegunle@sky.uk
About Sky ArtsSky Arts exists to bring more art to more people across the UK. In 2020, with the creative industries under serious threat, we threw open our doors to make the channel free for everyone to watch. We've redoubled our mission to increase access to the arts and we're committed to getting everyone involved. The fact is, we need the arts like never before, and Sky Arts brings them straigh
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
09/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/04/2026
New Charging, Connectivity, and Mounting Solutions Now Available
LAS VEGAS, APRIL 8, 2026 Pliant Technologies will highlight a range of new accessories at th...
09/04/2026
As live production continues its shift to IP, the challenge is no longer adoption it's reliability. At NAB Show 2026 (Booth W2033), Media Links will demon...
09/04/2026
QuickLink, a leading provider of award-winning video production and remote guest contribution solutions, launches its new AI-powered add-on for its StudioPro p...
09/04/2026
The Hive Group has published a new white paper, No Safe Harbor: Why the FCC's Upper C-Band Auction Demands Early Action from Broadcasters ahead of NAB Sho...
09/04/2026
Saranyu Technologies today announced the renewal of its Optimizer VoD subscription with VisualOn. The announcement coincides with NAB Show 2026, taking place Ap...
09/04/2026
New technique for synthesizing branched molecules could accelerate the development of future medicines Scripps Research chemists solve a longstanding problem in...
08/04/2026
The deadline to enter the 18th Annual SVG College Sports Media Awards in association with NACDA is rapidly approaching! Submit your entries to this year's c...
08/04/2026
The Pittsburgh product helps lead more than 100 annual ESPN broadcasts as part o...
08/04/2026
Dynamic ad insertion, AI-based technologies, programmatic advertising are some o...
08/04/2026
Seven Fellows Selected for Second Year of Residency in Honor of Social Justice L...
08/04/2026
On March 7, Bad Bunny made history with his first-ever performance in Asia, taki...
08/04/2026
El 7 de marzo, Bad Bunny hizo historia con su primera presentaci n en Asia, subi...
08/04/2026
New channel strip plug-in revealed
The latest plug-in to be added to the Fuse Audio Labs line-up emulates a selection of vintage hardware units, combining c...
08/04/2026
Guitar & bass multi-effects software overhauled
Blue Cat Audio's flagship guitar and bass multi-effects software has recently received a significant upd...
08/04/2026
PanNoir mixer integration, Dolby Atmos Renderer & more
Merging Technologies have just launched Pyramix 16, the latest major update to their renowned DAW sof...
08/04/2026
Applicable Products Part number Description
QUARTZ-22-LTE (EU) Dual Port Dual SIM LTE Router (EU)
QUARTZ-COMPACT-11-LTE (EU) Single Port Compact LTE ...
08/04/2026
The September 19, 2025 YEP Newsletter highlights a group visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where participants explored exhibits showcasing the art...
08/04/2026
The L3Harris HBTSS satellite is proven on orbit, successfully demonstrating trac...
08/04/2026
Image Credit: NASA. Artist rendering of a space communications satellite in orbit, representative of the resilient, multiband infrastructure supporting mission ...
08/04/2026
Latest evaluation validates image quality, Inertial Navigation System performance and long-range tracking in operational flight conditions....
08/04/2026
New Gracenote study finds behavioral change well underway, but trust in AI-gener...
08/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/04/2026
Integration eliminates ingest bottlenecks by ensuring content is immediately usable across cloud and hybrid editorial workflows. See it at NAB 2026.
Nevada Cit...
08/04/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the commercial availability of Dalia, its media-aware, agentic AI...
08/04/2026
Leading video software provider Synamedia today announced Senza Ignite, a cloud-based platform that transforms existing connected devices through a single firmw...
08/04/2026
Modernised architecture increases operational control and agility, while reducing cost and simplifying nationwide media transport across affiliates and news bur...
08/04/2026
Company to Feature DMX Dual Relay, High-Density 48-Channel Relay Panels, and New Private Label Power Program
LynTec, a leading manufacturer of innovative ele...
08/04/2026
Broadcasting Center Europe (BCE), a European media technology and services partner, today announces a technology partnership with BCNEXXT, a Netherlands-based c...
08/04/2026
Encompass Digital Media today announced the expansion of its Master Control Room (MCR) facility in Riga, Latvia, establishing it as one of the most advanced and...
08/04/2026
Leading video solutions provider Synamedia is back at The 2026 NAB Show with innovations that connect tomorrows audiences today. On display will be a range of t...
08/04/2026
COW Jobs: Director Needed for WWII Indie Docudrama
Brie Clayton April 8, 2026
0 Comments
Director Needed for WWII Indie Docudrama
March 17, 2026COW ...
08/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/04/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/04/2026
Marshall Electronics introduces its latest POV camera with the new CV376 Compact NDI |HX3 HDMI POV Camera at NAB 2026 (Booth C8339). Designed for versatile 4K c...