There are two dancers, slightly to the right of centre. The background is dark green with a large, brighter spotlight that doesn't reach the bottom corners of the image. In the background are giant pine needles, a scattering of small lighter areas, and curved beams of red light, that look paler when they are within the spotlight. The dancer in the foreground has shoulder length brown hair tied back with a white ribbon. She is representing the character of Clara. She is facing towards the left of the picture. She wears a white dress and a pair of off-white ballet pointe shoes. She is in mid leap with her left leg stretched out behind her. Her right leg is pointing towards the floor. She's holding up in front of her with both hands a Nutcracker doll, painted to look like a soldier in a red jacket and white trousers. The dancer behind Clara is representing the character of Fritz, Clara's younger brother. He has short dark hair and is wearing a dark blue sailor suit with britches to just below his knee. On his feet are white socks and soft black ballet shoes. He is facing Clara and his arms are raised as if trying to steal the Nutcracker doll from her. Photo copyright Manvir Rai.
There are two dancers, slightly to the right of centre. The background is dark green with a large, brighter spotlight that doesn't reach the bottom corners of the image. In the background are giant pine needles, a scattering of small lighter areas, and curved beams of red light, that look paler when they are within the spotlight. The dancer in the foreground has shoulder length brown hair tied back with a white ribbon. She is representing the character of Clara. She is facing towards the left of the picture. She wears a white dress and a pair of off-white ballet pointe shoes. She is in mid leap with her left leg stretched out behind her. Her right leg is pointing towards the floor. She's holding up in front of her with both hands a Nutcracker doll, painted to look like a soldier in a red jacket and white trousers. The dancer behind Clara is representing the character of Fritz, Clara's younger brother. He has short dark hair and is wearing a dark blue sailor suit with britches to just below his knee. On his feet are white socks and soft black ballet shoes. He is facing Clara and his arms are raised as if trying to steal the Nutcracker doll from her. Photo copyright Manvir Rai.

The Nutcracker

Join 60 dancers, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and audiences across the generations for the perfect festive family treat. Tickets from £25. Family offer Tue to Fri, subject to availability.

This page relates to performances that have already taken place. For a full list of current shows and future performances please see our What's On page.

About The Nutcracker

5 Stars
No other version comes close

Sunday Times

At the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Clara tiptoes downstairs and is swept away on an unforgettable magical journey…

At her parents’ lavish Christmas party, Clara is given a mysterious Nutcracker Doll. Once all the guests have left, she sneaks downstairs to find her present and comes face-to-face with the fearsome King Rat, ready to do battle with the Nutcracker and his band of toy soldiers. As soon as King Rat is vanquished, Clara is whisked away on a magical adventure with the Nutcracker, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanting kingdom where she is transformed into the Sugar Plum Fairy.

5 Stars
Delivers the wow-factor year on year

Birmingham Post

Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, performed live by the 60-strong Royal Ballet Sinfonia, provides the captivating soundtrack to this festive classic.

This sumptuous and timeless production boasts daring swordfights, falling snow, magic, and a 30-foot Christmas tree. Whether you’re yearning for a hint of nostalgia or looking to start a whole new tradition for your family and friends, start your festive season with a little theatrical sparkle.

Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes

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Tickets from £25*
Great offers for Under-16s (Tuesday to Friday)*
Audio description & touch tour: Sat 25 Nov**

*Prices and discounts are limited and subject to availability; concessions available; terms and conditions apply, see birminghamhippodrome.com. **Audio-described matinee performance, with touch tour from 12.15pm. Contact Ticket Sales for details or to book.

Credits

Credits

Music

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography

Peter Wright

Choreography

Lev Ivanov

Choreography

Vincent Redmon

Production

Peter Wright

Designs

John Macfarlane

Lighting

David Finn

Music

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography

Peter Wright

Choreography

Lev Ivanov

Choreography

Vincent Redmon

Production

Peter Wright

Designs

John Macfarlane

Lighting

David Finn

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