The Australian Ballet is set to sprinkle festive magic across the country this summer with Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker, a charming production designed especially for children and families. Touring four major cities, this beloved holiday ballet offers an interactive introduction to classical dance and the magic of storytelling through movement.
Performances begin at the Sydney Opera House (18 December to 4 January), before continuing to Canberra Theatre Centre (8–11 January), Brisbane Powerhouse (15–18 January), and Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre (22–25 January). With a run time of under an hour, this production is perfectly paced for young audiences.
Led by a narrator, children follow young Clara on her Christmas Eve journey as her treasured Nutcracker doll comes to life and whisks her away to the Land of Sweets. Along the way, audiences meet dancing snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the mischievous Mouse King, all set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by Orchestra Victoria under the baton of Nicolette Fraillon.
“There’s something truly magical about introducing ballet to young audiences,” said Artistic Director David Hallberg. “Storytime Ballet inspires curiosity, joy and imagination, inviting children to step into the story and experience the excitement of live performance, often for the first time.”
With original choreography by Marius Petipa and additional choreography by David McAllister, former Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, this heartwarming version of The Nutcracker offers an enchanting start to the holiday season. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their finest ballet-inspired outfits and join in the festive fun.
Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker is made possible through the generous support of Gandel Philanthropy, the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation, and many individual donors.
Tickets go on sale Thursday 7 August. For details and bookings, visit: Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker | The Australian Ballet
Performance Dates:
SYDNEY
18 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Sydney Opera House, Drama Theatre
Audio Described: Sat 27 Dec, 2:00pm
AUSLAN Interpreted: Sun 28 Dec, 2:00pm
CANBERRA
8 – 11 January 2026
Canberra Theatre Centre, Playhouse
AUSLAN Interpreted: Fri 9 Jan, 2:00pm
BRISBANE
15 – 18 January 2026
Brisbane Powerhouse
AUSLAN Interpreted: Fri 16 Jan, 2:00pm
MELBOURNE
22 – 25 January 2026
Comedy Theatre
AUSLAN Interpreted: Fri 23 Jan, 2:00pm