Principal Artist Marcus Morelli
Photo Simon Eeles
The Nutcracker
A picture-perfect ballet
Sir Peter Wright's beloved production returns, enchanting audiences in Melbourne and Sydney.
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Melbourne / Naarm
24 - 31 October 2026
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Sydney / Warrang
28 November - 16 December 2026
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Duration
2 hours and 5 minutes including a 25 minute interval (subject to change)
This performance contains theatrical haze, strobe and flash lighting, and a single gunshot halfway through Act One.
Downloadable Gift Certificate
Tickets to The Nutcracker are a special gift. On completion of the purchase, you can download a printable gift certificate and fill out the performance details to give to your loved one.
Principal Artist Ako Kondo
Photo Simon Eeles
The Nutcracker by Sir Peter Wright is a magical production of the cherished festive ballet that remains faithful to the 19th-century original and will fill you with the Christmas spirit. Tchaikovsky’s last ballet score, with its famous motifs and melodies, draws us into the story of Clara, a young ballet student celebrating with her family on Christmas Eve.
World-renowned designer John F Macfarlane exquisitely evokes the world of this picture-perfect ballet: whirling snowflakes, crackling fires, bandbox soldiers, a Christmas tree that grows until it brushes the ceiling, and a Sugar Plum Fairy in luscious candy-floss pink.
There’s no better way than The Nutcracker to rediscover the childlike joys of the holiday season or to create your own family tradition. Newly announced for Melbourne and returning to Sydney this festive season.
“It is really the perfect ballet. Lavish sets, divine costumes and a celebration of imagination and fantasy that is totally uplifting.”
– Herald Sun
Principal Artist Marcus Morelli and Grace Carroll
Photo Simon Eeles
Artist Grace Carroll
Photo Simon Eeles
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Artists of The Australian Ballet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Jeff Busby
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Adam Bull, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2024
Photo Daniel Boud
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury, Jake Mangakahia and Brodie James, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Lynette Wills
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Kate Longley
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Artists of The Australian Ballet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Jeff Busby
Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Adam Bull, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Kate Longley
Artists of The Australian Ballet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2024
Photo Daniel Boud
Principal Artist Dimity Azoury, Jake Mangakahia and Brodie James, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Lynette Wills
Production credits
Choreography Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Vincent Redmon
Additional choreography courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet
Composer Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Costume and set design John F Macfarlane
Lighting design David Finn
Music
Melbourne
With Orchestra Victoria
Sydney
With Opera Australia Orchestra
Thank you
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported The Innovation Campaign. Your generosity has been a source of strength and inspiration for The Australian Ballet throughout our time at the Regent Theatre.
Season 2026
