The Nutcracker - English National Ballet

The Nutcracker - English National Ballet

London Coliseum

4.5/5 based on 81 reviews (read reviews)
  • Opens: Thursday, 12 December 2024 -
    Booking until: Sunday, 12 January 2025
  • Running time: 2hr. Incl. 20min interval.
Families (88%) Couples (84%) Theatregoers (85%) i
The Nutcracker - English National Ballet photos
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The Nutcracker - English National Ballet description

Nutcracker is a real Christmas classic in theatreland, performed every year since 1950 over Christmas by English National Ballet and a shining star in the West End's festive programme. It's back for 2021 at the London Coliseum from mid-December and stars a cast of more than a hundred dancers and musicians. 

There's exquisite dancing, stunning stage sets and a gorgeous score by Tchaikovsky, which is played live. And the staging is just gorgeous – you won't believe your eyes.

What's the story behind Nutcracker?

Welcome to a magical Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. The party is going with a bang and the children, led by Clara and her little brother Freddie, are really excited about the festivities. Herr Drosselmeyer is their godfather, an eccentric man who is a skilled maker of toys. His latest creations are simply amazing, but the nutcracker doll he gives to Clara is even more special. Freddy is envious, grabs it from Clara and breaks it. When midnight strikes, Clara awakes under a huge Christmas tree in a cold, snowy land she doesn't recognise. When some life sized mice run past brandishing weapons, meeting an army of tin soldiers led by her beloved Nutcracker doll, the adventure begins. Clara helps Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King, and the pair take off to enjoy even more amazing adventures. What a spectacle!

About Nutcracker

The music is written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the choreography comes from Wayne Eagling. The ballet is based on an idea by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling, the design is by Peter Farmer and the lighting by David Richardson. The ballet is performed beautifully by the English National Ballet, and your venue is the London Coliseum.

This show sold out fast for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 season, and we're expecting the same again this year as people flock to enjoy a spirited, very lovely story that's become a cherished classic. Based on an original fairytale written by E.T.A. Hoffman almost 200 years ago, the score is performed by the English National Opera's orchestra. What a huge treat for a festive 2021. 

Buy tickets for Nutcracker

Buy tickets for Nutcracker from us and enjoy an easy experience you can trust. We'll email your tickets to you to present at the door on the big day.

Playing at London Coliseum

St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB (venue info)

London Coliseum Directions

Age restrictions

Ages 5+. Children under the age of five are not permitted in the auditorium. Children under the age of 16 must be seated with an adult.

Performance Times
Mon - -
Tue 14:30 19:30
Wed 14:30 19:30
Thu 14:30 19:30
Fri 14:30 19:30
Sat 14:30 19:30
Sun 13:30 -
The Nutcracker - English National Ballet video
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB The Nutcracker - English National Ballet Cast
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB The Nutcracker - English National Ballet Cast
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB The Nutcracker - English National Ballet Cast
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB The Nutcracker - English National Ballet Cast
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB The Nutcracker - English National Ballet Cast
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB The Nutcracker - English National Ballet Cast
St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB The Nutcracker - English National Ballet Cast