page

From beach holidays to snowy peaks—experience The Nutcracker like never before. Support the RNZB’s magical new production and help create dazzling costumes that will inspire joy for generations to come.

Nutcracker Appeal

Summer 2025 will be celebrated with an eagerly anticipated new production of the world’s most beloved ballet classic, The Nutcracker. Central to Christmas memories for generations of audiences, The Nutcracker is a timeless celebration of family, fantasy and growing up, where ‘home for Christmas’ is the most powerful magic of all.

The Nutcracker

A uniquely Kiwi touch transports our audiences to the nostalgia of childhood holidays at the beach in Act I, before being carried in Act II to the snowy Southern Alps, where we encounter a fairytale Kingdom of the Sweets – some of which may look quite familiar…
This new production will be created by RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall, with set and costume designs by Tracy Grant Lord (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Firebird), lighting design by Jon Buswell (Swan Lake, The Firebird, Hansel &amp; Gretel) and visual effects by POW Studios (Cinderella, Hansel &amp; Gretel), all driven by the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music.
Live orchestra, conducted by Hamish McKeich, will accompany performances in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland.

Summer 2025 will be celebrated with an eagerly anticipated new production of the world’s most beloved ballet classic, The Nutcracker. Central to Christmas memories for generations of audiences, The Nutcracker is a timeless celebration of family, fantasy and growing up, where ‘home for Christmas’ is the most powerful magic of all.

30 OCT - 20 DEC

A ballerina in a tutu dances en pointe with one leg extended behind her, set against a pastel-colored background with mountains and clouds.