BBC1 to screen full-length ballet after criticism of arts coverage

The first ballet to be seen on BBC1 in almost a decade will be Matthew Bourne's colourful production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker.

Lorraine Heggessey, the BBC1 controller, has commissioned Bourne's innovative production as a treat for the Christmas schedules. It underlines her commitment to restoring the arts to the corporation's main channel.

Critics were divided about the show at Sadler's Wells in London last Christmas, though most agreed its Busby Berkeley-style scenes and candy-coloured characters were visually impressive. The production relocated the opening of the ballet to a bleak, Dickensian orphanage.

BBC1 has also commissioned a television special based on the Canadian Cirque du Soleil company's circus show. It features athletic aerial performances using trapeze, ropes and poles.

Ms Heggessey said: "These bold, exciting productions are a new departure for BBC1 and a key part of our revitalised arts coverage. We're hoping to bring as wide an audience as possible to Matthew Bourne's refreshingly original Nutcracker, and the breathtaking innovative performance art that is uniquely Cirque du Soleil."

A BBC spokeswoman said it was believed that the last time a full-length ballet was seen on BBC1 was another production of The Nutcracker, in 1994.

Bourne hit the headlines with his acclaimed version of Swan Lake featuring all-male swans. It won 25 international awards, was the longest-running ballet in the West End and is featured at the end of the filmBilly Elliot. Swan Lake was shown on Boxing Day on BBC2 in 1996.

The decision to broadcast a full-length ballet on BBC1 follows fierce attacks in recent years on the BBC for allowing the arts to slip from BBC1 to BBC2 or the digital channel BBC4. Stung by the criticisms and mindful of scrutiny leading up to the renewal of its charter in 2006, the corporation has responded with a high-profile list of projects for both BBC1 and BBC2.

Alan Yentob, the BBC's director of drama, entertainment and children's programmes, is to present a new series on the arts for BBC1, called Imagine.