The Australian Ballet

The Nutcracker

Melbourne Subscriber and Supporter pre-sale

A picture-perfect ballet

We’re delighted to return to Arts Centre Melbourne with Sir Peter Wright’s magical production of The Nutcracker.  

Pre-sale runs until 11 February. Secure the best seats now. 

View performance times
  • Melbourne / Naarm

    24 - 31 October 2026

  • 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.

Buy tickets to The Nutcracker Melbourne

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.

Ballet dancer Marcus Morelli dressed in red costume leaps in the air, pressing his hips out as he holds his hand to his head saluting.

Principal Artist Marcus Morelli
Photo Simon Eeles

Ballet dancer Ako Kondo dressed in white costume and tutu stands on one leg en pointe, gracefully extending her other leg behind her in attitude.

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

Ballet dancer Grace Carroll dressed in elegant white dress stand in front of Marcus Morelli, extending their arms gracefully in arabeqsue.

Principal Artist Marcus Morelli and Grace Carroll
Photo Simon Eeles

Ballet dancer Grace Carroll stands extended on one leg en pointe, dressed in elegantly flowing white dress with her arms held behind her.

Artist Grace Carroll
Photo Simon Eeles

Australian Ballet artist Benedicte Bemet dressed in white dress on stage extends her arm to reach out to a large Christmas tree.

Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Kate Longley

Australian Ballet dancer Benedicte Bemet holds a bouquet of flowers to her chest, a group of other dancers in pink lay on the ground extended.

Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Artists of The Australian Ballet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Jeff Busby

Australian ballet dancers Adam Bull and Benedicte Bemet leap across stage in unison against a dark blue broody background.

Principal Artist Benedicte Bemet and Adam Bull, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2019
Photo Kate Longley

The Mouse King and The Nutcracker battle on stage with swords, several Australian Ballet artists litter the dark stage in support.

Artists of The Australian Ballet, The Nutcracker (Wright) 2024
Photo Daniel Boud

Three dancers of The Australian Ballet stand apart, dressed in dark red and black costumes on stage.

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

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

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Ballet dancer Ako Kondo dressed as Clara in elegant bright costume and tiara, looks up towards the camera.