Hong Kong Ballet’s Heartwarming The Nutcracker Returns to 
Bring Festive Cheer this December

[Hong Kong—23 November 2023] Snow much fun! This December, Hong Kong Ballet(HKB)'s festive family favourite The Nutcracker returns to bring holiday cheer in a wondrous celebration of early 20th century Hong Kong's history, characters and natural beauty. The Nutcracker opens on 15 December with 19 performances through 30 December at Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre, and audiences will enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by Hong Kong Sinfonietta under the baton of Fayçal Karoui for selected performances. This inspiring production won Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Set and Costume Design at the Hong Kong Dance Awards 2022. Tickets are available now at URBTIX.

An Annual Hong Kong Classic 
The much-anticipated annual extravaganza begins at a lively Christmas Eve party in a gilded mansion where young Clara receives a unique Nutcracker as a gift. With its glittering costumes and captivating sets, this wondrous world finds Clara and her brother Fritz on a magical coming-of-age adventure with the Nutcracker Prince, battling the evil Rat King (inspired by infamous pirate Cheung Po Tsao) and his army, meeting a host of lively characters and encountering a kaleidoscope of Hong Kong's colourful peacocks, lush cockatoos, energetic racing jockeys and blossoming bauhinias.

Hong Kong’s rich culture is joyfully celebrated in the vibrant characters, riveting choreography and innovative stage designs. Artistic Director Septime Webre and his creative team incorporate local history and customs into the ballet classic by showcasing a lion dance, rickshaws, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a shadow puppet theatre, the White Snake and the Academic, delicious dim sum and more. The larger-than-life sets feature an opulent golden mansion reminiscent of Kom Tong Hall, the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower and an ethereal snowy bamboo forest straight out of a classic Chinese film. Drawing inspiration from vintage local fashion and Hong Kong’s plethora of unique animals and stunning flowers, acclaimed designers Gabriela Tylesova, Au Yu Kong and Joanne Chong meticulously created over 240 intricately detailed costumes for the show’s 300+ characters.

The Nutcracker Land @ The Wai
This year, we are also excited to bring The Nutcracker out of the theatre and into the heart of the community. In collaboration with new shopping mall The Wai, we proudly present ‘The Nutcracker Land’ from now until the end of December at The Wai. Guests will get a special sneak peek at the beloved The Nutcracker ballet on 9 December and have a chance to meet their favourite characters in person on 2, 23 and 31 December while enjoying the festive Christmas Castle with its vibrant neon-light installation inspired by local tourist attractions. This unforgettable experience captures the warm holiday magic that brings family and friends together! 

More Nutcracker Fun 
HKB will host a special The Nutcracker Ballet 360° event, lively pre-performance workshops and insightful pre-performance talks to fully immerse audiences in the holiday production’s magical world. 

The always popular Sugar Plum Shoppe lets audiences bring an unforgettable The Nutcracker experience home with a new series of The Nutcracker products, including snow globes, T-shirts, Christmas card, keychains and more. Get the best gifts for your loved ones this Christmas!

Take advantage of The Nutcracker promotional offers like an exciting Perrier-Jouët champagne masterclass, a relaxing long-term stay at K11 ARTUS and exclusive dining offers at Rosewood Hong Kong’s BluHouse and Holt’s Café and The Lobby Lounge at Regent Hong Kong (details in the appendix).

Download High Resolution Photos

Creative Team
Choreography: Septime Webre
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set & Costume Design: Gabriela Tylesova 
Associate Set & Costume Designer: Au Yu Kong
Associate Costume Designer: Joanne Chong
Lighting Designer: Billy Chan
Re-lighting: Ruby Yau
Dramaturge: Yan Pat To
Shadow Puppet Video Design: Lo Wing
Live Accompaniment (selected performances): Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Conductor: Fayçal Karoui

Live Accompaniment
15 -17 (Fri-Sun)*, 19-21 (Tue-Thu)^,
23-26 (Sat-Tue)*.12.2023 7:30pm
16-17 (Sat-Sun) & 23-26 (Sat-Tue) .12.2023 2:30pm*

Recorded Music
29-30.12.2023 (Fri-Sat) 7:30pm^
30.12.2023 (Sat) 2:30pm^

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
*$1,200 (limited VIP tickets) $720, $490, $340, $220
^$1,000 (limited VIP tickets) $680, $480, $340, $220
The performance lasts approximately 1 hr 45 minutes, including one intermission
Suitable for ages 3 and above

Appendix

For further information, please contact:
Jerry Qiu | Communications & Programme Manager | T: 21059753 | [email protected]
Ruth Chung | Senior Marketing and PR Officer | T: 21059716 | [email protected]

About Hong Kong Ballet
Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is internationally recognised as a world-class institution that represents Hong Kong’s unique character. Since its inception in 1979, HKB has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with a dynamic repertoire, forward-thinking community engagement initiatives and an emphasis on excellence.  

With 50 dancers from all over the globe, HKB has restaged classical and neoclassical masterworks and dynamic original ballets created for HKB and about Hong Kong. Additionally, HKB performs works by some of today’s most sought-after choreographers as well as innovative new works by its Choreographer-in-Residence, Hu Song Wei Ricky, and numerous emerging Hong Kong choreographers.

In addition to almost 50 worldwide tours, HKB also maintains a full schedule of award-winning community programmes and crossover collaborations throughout Hong Kong to ensure ballet is accessible to all. HKB has also produced original videos and dance films that have collectively garnered over 5.2 million views online, connecting with ballet lovers worldwide.