English National Ballet - Nutcracker

A magical Christmas tradition for all the family – in a brand-new production for 2024

This festive season, join Clara on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible. Embark on a journey full of colour and wonder as English National Ballet brings the Nutcracker to life with over 100 dancers and musicians.

It’s Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. Clara and her mother are shopping at Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium where she meets an enchanted Nutcracker doll. They take home liquorice all-sorts, nougat, marzipan and of course, sugarplums, to delight their party guests. As music and laughter fill the house, Clara has a magical sugar plum vision, sparking an adventure in which she bravely defends her home from the Rat King before discovering a dazzling ice realm and its Queen. Step out of the ordinary and follow Clara as she travels to the Land of Sweets & Delights where the Sugar Plum Fairy has arranged a grand celebration in her honour.

Choreographed by English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin, and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith, this new re-telling of the classic festive ballet combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes designed by Dick Bird. English National Ballet Philharmonic perform Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live.

From the orchestra warming up, to the final bows and applause, English National Ballet’s new Nutcracker is an unforgettable treat for audiences of all ages. Be amongst the first to see it when it premieres at Mayflower Theatre this winter.