FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Nutcracker 5th Anniversary Proudly Presented by Henderson Land
Celebrates its 100th Performance with Special Guests,
A Significant Milestone to Exciting New Horizons
[Hong Kong — 29 December 2025] On 28 December, Hong Kong Ballet (HKB)’s locally inspired The Nutcracker – A Hong Kong Adventure by Artistic Director Septime Webre had its 100th performance, proudly presented by Henderson Land this year, and included special guests in the audience with unique ties to the show. In its fifth year entertaining over 140,000 fans, The Nutcracker surprised audiences with two very special new cast members and the addition of the iconic Star Ferry.
To the delight of fans, Hong Kong actress Sandra Ng opened the matinee show as a guest announcer. A love letter to the people of Hong Kong, The Nutcracker epitomised the spirit of the city and seamlessly incorporated local historical people and places into the ballet classic during its fifth anniversary.
After the spirited performance, audience members enthusiastically gave a thunderous applause, as a large cake was presented on stage to mark the 100th show that has become an annual festive tradition for many. Notable guests in the audience for the landmark performance include: The Nutcracker’s dramaturge Yan Pat To, shadow puppet scene creator Lo Wing, Ocean Park panda caretaker Pang Wing Sze, Pan Pang from Star Ferry, Hong Kong’s first Chinese female jockey Sherie Kong, two-time Bun Scrambling Competition champion Janet Kung, HKB honorary photographer Tony Luk, executive pastry chef Andy Yeung, executive Chinese chef Junno Li and 4th generation 130-year-old snake soup restaurant owner Gigi Ng.
HKB Artistic Director Septime Webre shared, ‘The Nutcracker pays homage to local culture with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by Hong Kong Sinfonietta. The Star Ferry appeared for the first time to take Clara and the Nutcracker Prince back home, and the characters of Ocean Park’s beloved panda twins Jia Jia and De De made their stage debut in a snowy bamboo forest. I hope it offers both local audiences and visitors a meaningful glimpse into the soul of Hong Kong, a place we are so proud to call home.’
HKB Executive Director Heidi Lee added, ‘The Nutcracker has been widely acclaimed over the years, playing to full house audiences. Today, we celebrate its 100th performance, joined by special guests and audience members, making this milestone even more meaningful. In recent years, HKB has achieved remarkable milestones, earning international and local accolades, touring globally and becoming a Hong Kong cultural icon. As audience expectations grow, we must continue to innovate boldly with larger-scale productions and fresh approaches to captivate audiences and connect with the world, reinforcing HKB’s unique position in the global arts and cultural landscape.’
HKB Chairman Daisy Ho, BBS said, ‘HKB will celebrate its next significant milestone, our 50th anniversary, in just three years. We sincerely thank Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) for its tremendous support over the past 16 years, which has enabled HKB to achieve remarkable artistic results, expand our audiences and strengthen our international reputation. Flourishing together, we are confident that as HKCC continues to collaborate with and nurture developing arts organisations, we will create even more unforgettable experiences for our fans in the years to come. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau for their unwavering support, which has empowered HKB to reach new heights. We are also deeply grateful to the HKB team, whose professionalism and passion are instrumental to the company’s success, and for the invaluable support of our Board of Governors and The Hong Kong Ballet Guild members.’
In 2024, The Nutcracker won UNESCO’s Star of Outstanding Award and the Spirit of Culture Award at the 12th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. These awards celebrate HKB’s excellence in production quality and its unwavering commitment to education and outreach. Looking ahead, HKB is preparing to stage large-scale works, including an original dance drama inspired by martial arts legend Bruce Lee, that will ignite imaginations with richer narratives at exciting new venues.
After watching the performance, Ocean Park panda caretaker Sze Pang said, 'Seeing the young dancers portraying Jia Jia and De De tumbling and playing on stage was absolutely adorable. It reminded me of how lively and playful the pandas are in the park every day.'
Hong Kong first Chinese female jockey Sherie Kong added, 'The horse racing scenes really resonated with me. Horse racing is one of the symbols of local culture, and the entire production is filled with Hong Kong’s unique charm. It’s a heartwarming and delightful performance, truly a Christmas must-watch! Every dancer is so talented. We must embrace the Lion Rock spirit, cherish every opportunity to perform and keep striving for excellence.'
Hong Kong Ballet
Henderson Land Proudly Presents The Nutcracker
Live Accompaniment
12-14, 16-18, 19-20, 21, 23, 24 -25, 26.12.2025 7:30pm
13, 20-21, 25, 26.12.2025 2:30pm
14.12.2025 3:00pm
Recorded Music
27.12.2025 2:30pm & 7:30pm
28.12.2025 2:30pm
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
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 Design: Billy Chan
Sound Design: Anthony Yeung
Dramaturge: Yan Pat To
Shadow Puppet Video Design: Lo Wing
Live Accompaniment: Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Conductor: Fayçal Karoui
For further information, please contact:
Jerry Qiu | Communications & Programme Manager | T: 2105 9753 / 6879 6734 | [email protected]
Ruth Chung | Marketing and PR Manager | T: 2105 9716 / 9741 7319 | [email protected]
About Hong Kong Ballet
Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is recognised internationally 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.
Comprised of 50 dancers from all over the globe – Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and other parts of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, HKB has won recognition both regionally and internationally with celebrated re-stagings of the classics, neoclassical masterworks by George Balanchine and others and original ballets created for HKB and about Hong Kong.
Additionally, HKB performs works by its Artistic Director Septime Webre and some of today’s most sought-after choreographers, including Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, Justin Peck, Jiří Kylian, Nacho Duato and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa as well as innovative new works by its Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and numerous emerging Hong Kong choreographers.
HKB stands out as a dynamic Hong Kong cultural ambassador, sharing its unique repertoire and style with audiences in Europe, North America, Chinese Mainland and Asia. With over 50 international tours since its founding, this year HKB will have performed or presented immersive works in Macau, Venice, New York, London, Seoul and Shanghai. HKB maintains the Hong Kong Academy of Ballet, a professionally-oriented ballet school, as well as 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 engaging original videos and dance films that have collectively garnered over 10 million views online, connecting with ballet lovers worldwide.
