Nutcracker

Nutcracker Tickets

English National Ballet's Nutcracker returns to the London Coliseum with Tchaikovsky's beloved score performed live by a full orchestra. Set in Edwardian London on Christmas Eve, this festive production follows young Clara as she visits Drosselmeyer's Sweets and Delights Emporium and discovers an enchanted Nutcracker doll. When her living room transforms into a battleground between toy soldiers and the Rat King, Clara is swept away on an adventure through the shimmering Land of Snow into the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy has arranged a grand celebration in her honour.

Choreographed by ENB's Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Arielle Smith, this production premiered in 2024 and has quickly become one of London's most celebrated Christmas traditions. Dick Bird's set and costume designs bring confectionery to life with rich colour and detail, from liquorice allsorts to marzipan, whilst the famous Christmas tree grows on stage before your eyes.

What to Expect at Nutcracker

The production runs for approximately 2 hours with one 20-minute interval. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring this spectacular ballet to life on one of London's grandest stages. The English National Ballet Philharmonic performs Tchaikovsky's full score live at every performance, and you'll hear favourites like the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Waltz of the Flowers and the lively character dances that fill Act II.

The London Coliseum seats over 2,350 across four levels and is London's largest West End theatre. Its Edwardian architecture provides the perfect setting for this full-scale ballet production. The snow scene features a corps de ballet that regularly draws gasps from the audience, whilst the costumes in the Land of Sweets are particularly inventive. If you're exploring more of London's theatre scene, you might also enjoy The Lion King tickets for another spectacular family production.

Before You Go

Nutcracker is recommended for ages 5 and above, and children under 5 are not permitted in the auditorium. The two-hour running time with an interval works well for younger audience members. Smart casual dress is perfectly appropriate, though many families enjoy dressing up for the festive occasion.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain to collect tickets and settle into your seats. Large bags and rucksacks are not permitted in the auditorium, though small handbags are allowed and may be subject to security checks. Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break. No photography or recording is permitted during the performance, but souvenir photos are allowed during curtain calls.

The London Coliseum is located at St Martin's Lane, with Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Covent Garden Tube stations all within a five-minute walk. The venue offers wheelchair accessible seating, accessible toilets, ramps and assistive listening devices. For those planning a full West End experience, Phantom of the Opera tickets offer another classic musical theatre experience in London's theatre district.