The Ryman Healthcare Season of The Nutcracker

Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year but Christmas 2018 will be extra special because Royal New Zealand Ballet will bring you to fantasy world with their Ryman Healthcare Season of 'The Nutcracker'.

The national tour will kick off in Wellington then heading to Marlborough, Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch. The Nutcracker will also journey to Palmerston North, Napier and Auckland before concluding at Takapuna.

The story begins on Christmas Eve, as Tchaikovsky's fairy-tale music fills the air and Clara is given a nutcracker doll by her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. Falling asleep on the sofa, she dreams a Christmas dream of magic and romance…

As the clock strikes midnight, the drawing room is transformed into a battleground. Skirmishes break out between toy soldiers, led by the brave Nutcracker, and the motley crew of mice who emerge from the shadows of the skirting boards. All seems lost, but clever Clara saves the day, and the handsome Nutcracker Prince sweeps her away on a snowy journey to the enchanted Marzipan Castle.

Welcomed to the magical kingdom by the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and her Prince are captivated by dances representing tea, coffee, chocolate, marzipan and flowers. The dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy brings the entertainment to a climax in one of ballet’s most beloved showpieces.

As the night ends, Clara awakes on Christmas morning, knowing that the sweetest memories are made with those whom we love. Tchaikovsky's magical and much-loved score will be performed live.

The Nutcracker is a perfect gift for the whole family with shows starting from October through to December - book early!