Queensland Ballet is welcoming in the festive season with a dreamy sense of whimsy and wonder in The Nutcracker. Join Clara on her fantastical adventure across the Lemonade Sea to the Kingdom of Sweets. Enjoy meeting her magical new friends as they entertain with spectacular performances set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
This legendary show, choreographed by the incredible Ben Stevenson OBE, has been a Christmas staple at Queensland Ballet since 2013. The company is reimagining The Nutcracker for the 2026 season with new choreography by Derek Deane OBE, so this year will be the final chance to see Stevenson’s epic vision come to life.
The Nutcracker inspires awe from its opening scenes at the Stahlbaum’s Christmas Eve Party. The gorgeous set design by Thomas Boyd is vibrant and glows with the cosiness of a classic winter Christmas.
It’s easy to follow the amusing and familiar customs of a family get-together, even without the verbal cues. From the childish fights and the annoyed parents to the hilariously excitable grandparents getting into mischief. With so many charming intimate moments happening all at once, the scene is busy with fun and festive cheer.
On opening night, Jessica Stratton-Smith portrayed Clara with immense enthusiasm that perfectly captured the playfulness and innocence of a childhood Christmas.
After the mysterious magician Dr Drosselmeyer gifts Clara a wooden Nutcracker, she gracefully leaps across the stage holding the toy up in the air with a delightful eagerness. As Drosselmeyer, Vito Bernasconi’s confident and intimidating approach commands the audience’s attention through his sharp and swift movements.
Clara awakes at midnight to giant mice attacking her but is rescued by her valiant Nutcracker and his soldiers in an exciting dance battle. He duels with the frightening Rat King in an intense clash of swords alongside a corps de ballet of giant rodents. Meanwhile, toy soldiers echo their movements in the background. This surprisingly funny scene is an unexpected highlight.
The real showstopper is the Land of Snow sequence, which stars Neneka Yoshida and Edison Manuel as the Snow Queen and Prince. The stage transforms into a glistening winter wonderland with snow-covered pine trees and delicate snowflakes covering the ground.
Yoshida and Edison move with a mesmerising and purposeful elegance; their smooth jumps land like the softness of snowfall. Joined by the beautiful Snowflake dancers in their flowing tulle skirts, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. It’s the perfect ending to Act I. The snowy magic even sprinkles down into the audience.
It’s in Act II that the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Arranger and Conductor Nigel Gaynor, really shine with Tchaikovsky’s intricate score. Upon arriving at the Kingdom of Sweets, Clara is treated to desserts and beautiful performances.
Stratton-Smith eagerly skips around the towering Mother Ginger alongside the children that stream from the lady’s impressively large skirt in a jolly display of energy. The audience erupted in bewildered laughter when the skirt opened to reveal Mother Ginger on pointe in crimson ballet slippers. It is an incredible display brought to life by the genius Costume Designer Desmond Heeley.
The Waltz of the Flowers is a gorgeous sequence of synchronicity and elevation. The dancers are a twirling bouquet of spring colours and layered tulle in this magnificent performance featuring many impressive feats of balance.
The show’s epic conclusion, which includes the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, is simply stunning. The ethereal pas de deux between Chiara Gonzalez as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Edison Manuel as the Nutcracker Prince is a spectacular display of skill and talent.
Filled with magic and cheer, Queensland Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the best way to start the festive season. This classic Christmas tale is a gift to the senses, with enchanting music, gorgeous costumes, and dazzling dances all packaged into a heartwarming story.
The Nutcracker is presented by Queensland Ballet and runs to 13 December at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC.
Tickets: https://queenslandballet.n.qtix.com.au/tickets/series/qbthenutcracker25
Website: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/performances/2025/the-nutcracker
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qldballet/
Photo credits: David Kelly
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