Journey into the enchanted world of The Nutcracker this Christmas, as Queensland National Ballet School brings this full-length ballet to life.
The ballet will be performed in three shows on 9 and 10 December at StageHouse Theatre in Stafford.
Principal Director Tracey Fleming said the company was thrilled to perform The Nutcracker in their own theatre following the major refurbishment of the StageHouse venue.
“To perform a full-length ballet in our own beautifully updated space feels incredibly special,” Tracey said. “The Nutcracker 2025 will be an immersive experience from the moment audiences walk through the StageHouse doors – it’s going to feel like Christmas has truly arrived.”
The production follows Clara, a young girl whose Christmas Eve is transformed when her Nutcracker doll comes to life. She battles the Rat King, dances through snowflakes, and visits the Land of the Sweets, all set to Tchaikovsky’s score.
Tracey said the entire cast comes from the Queensland National Ballet School family – from full-time professional program students to junior night school dancers – with several alumni returning as guest performers.
“It’s a huge achievement for a school to stage a full-length ballet, and it provides an extraordinary and vital experience for our young aspiring artists,” she said.
“It gives them a genuine taste of what it’s like to work in a professional company – managing multiple roles, developing storytelling skills, and understanding the discipline of ensemble work.”
A Modern Twist on a Timeless Classic
Audiences can expect some creative surprises woven into this year’s performance.
“Alongside the timeless beauty of classics like Waltz of the Flowers and Snowflakes, our version adds a modern and playful twist,” Tracey said. “The battle scene features contemporary choreography – with rats that might surprise you – as well as magical illusions and clever effects.”
She added that she hoped families and children would be swept up in the magic and leave feeling truly in the Christmas spirit.
“Our goal is to transport audiences into The Nutcracker’s world – to make them feel they’ve lived the story right alongside Clara,” she said.
“Every section of The Nutcracker offers something special, but the most rewarding moment for me is seeing it all come together and feeling the pride of the dancers when the curtain rises. That’s when the magic truly happens.
‘Every year this production grows, and seeing our students shine – many performing their first major ballet – is the greatest gift of all.”
Tickets start at $35. Book your seats here.
QLD National Ballet School Presents The Nutcracker
- Tuesday, 9 December, 7pm-9pm; Wednesday, 10 December, 2.30pm-4.30pm; 7pm-9pm
- StageHouse Theatre
- 57 Hayward Street, Stafford
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