English National Ballet’s Nutcracker is returning to the stage this Christmas. The festive family favourite will be performed at the London Coliseum from 16 December – 8 January. COVID-19 restrictions meant English National Ballet was unable to present a live version of Nutcracker for the first time in the Company’s 70 year history, but this December sees the show return to live audiences. 

Over 100 dancers and musicians will bring the Tchaikovsky score to life, including the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. The company has performed a version of Nutcracker every year since it was founded in 1950. Despite last year’s restrictions, the Company maintained this tradition by filming a specially adapted production and sharing it online for audiences to enjoy from home. 

English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet's growth and evolution since. It brings world-class ballet to the widest possible audience through live performances, its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive, and being a leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver programmes such as English National Ballet's Dance for Parkinson’s.

Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo CBE, English National Ballet has introduced new works to the Company's repertoire whilst continuing to honour the tradition of classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw English National Ballet enter a new chapter in its history when it moved into a purpose-built state-of-the- art home in east London, Mulryan Centre for Dance, bringing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people than ever before.