CHRISTMAS wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to a dazzling performance of the most famous ballet in the world – The Nutcracker.

And you can get in the festive mood by booking a ticket to see the vibrant and enchanting production presented by The Russian State Ballet and Opera House at The Anvil on Saturday, 25 November.

The Nutcracker is a seasonal favourite. Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love are just some of the elements that are brought together by this renowned Russian company. A much-loved ballet, it’s full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The ultimate fairytale where goodness and beauty triumph, The Nutcracker continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of different generations.

It tells the story of a little girl whose godfather gives her a Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and the magic begins...

If you are enjoying Strictly Come Dancing on the television at the moment and would like to see some of the phenomenal dancers live on stage then there is a choice of shows next year at The Anvil for you to pick from.

Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara headline a stunning new dance show Remembering Fred, on 5 April.

Backed by a full supporting cast of dancers, live band and singers, the evening of song and dance celebrates the legacy of Hollywood great Fred Astaire.

Pasha Kovalev returns on 24 April with The Magic of Hollywood. Jam-packed with sequins, glitz and glamour, Pasha and the dancers perform Oscar-worthy performances all set to a Hollywood theme.

Enjoy An Audience with Ian Waite and Oti Mabuse on 3 June as they bring a fun-filled extravaganza of high intensity Latin and Ballroom favourites to the stage. You will also learn more about Ian and Oti and their lives.

Kevin and Karen Clifton bring a sultry, hip-swinging journey through Cha Cha, Tango, Salsa and Fox Trot to the stage in a performance filled with sassy tunes, heart-pounding choreography and sparkling costumes.

And Strictly alumni James and Ola bring their show It’s Hot, Dirty and Dancing! on 18 March.

More great shows have recently gone on sale for next year.

Lindisfarne visit The Haymarket on 6 April performing hits such as Fog on the Tyne and Lady Eleanor, Dara O’Briain brings his tour Voice of Reason to The Anvil on 4 May and Ross Noble returns with his show El Hablador on 4 October.

Danny Baker returns to Basingstoke following his highly successful tour earlier this year.

He will be at The Anvil on 8 June with Good Time Charlie’s Back!

And enjoy an Audience with Simon Reeve on 3 October as he recounts stories from over 15 years of travelling to some of the remotest part of the world.

Anvil Arts’ full autumn season is now on sale and the most up-to-date information can be found on the website anvilarts.org.uk.

For more information or for tickets, call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244.