Presented annually by Queensland Ballet, The Nutcracker opened at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre on Friday 5 December 2025.
Staged at the Lyric Theatre, Ben Stevenson’s production is in its thirteenth year. The annual performance was introduced to the state by former Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO. It has become a much loved festive tradition.
An era is ending. The seasonal tradition will continue in 2026, but in a completely new form. Choreographer, Derek Deane OBE has created a new version especially for Queensland Ballet.
Set to music by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky, in two acts, the production tells the timeless tale of Clara Stahlbaum’s best Christmas ever. Gifts are exchanged and mischief is made at the Stahlbaum’s party for family and friends.
The mysterious, magical Dr Drosselmeyer (Vito Bernasconi) arrives and gives Clara (Jessica Stratton-Smith) the nutcracker toy which is central to the story. At midnight, the rats invade her bedroom and the nutcracker transforms into a perfect prince (Edison Manuel). The rats are banished.
Edison looked majestic as the Prince. This young dancer was an appropriate casting. There were some nerves, but he kept his ballerinas safe and carried out his soloist duties with strength. A poised dancer, with a handsome stage presence, experience will bring confidence and the nerves will vanish.
After meeting the Snow Queen (Neneka Yoshida), the adventurous journey continues as Clara and the Prince leave in a flying sleigh for the Kingdom of Sweets.
I never tire of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Chiara Gonzalez) or the tinkling of the celesta. Every year I enjoy the international dances: Spanish, Arabian, Chinese and Russian. The challenging Cossack dance is always spectacular. I agree that it’s time for the production to be refreshed and replaced with something new and dynamic.
Opening night concluded with an unexpected twist when some dancers took to the stage to voice their concerns about the company’s future. Spokesperson, Soloist, George Swan spoke of the lack of financial support from government funding at state and federal levels.
The disparity between monies made available to sports and the arts was aptly highlighted. It’s hoped that publicity resulting from the stance suddenly taken will bring some financial relief to Queensland Ballet Company.
The Nutcracker
Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Friday 5 December 2025
Season continues to 13 December 2025
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandballet.com.au
Images: Vito Bernasconi as Dr Drosselmeyer and Jessica Stratton-Smith as Clara in Queensland Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker (Stevenson) – photo by David Kelly | Artists of the Queensland Ballet in The Nutcracker (Stevenson) – photo by David Kelly | Neneka Yoshida as Snow Queen and Edison Manuel as Prince in Queensland Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker (Stevenson) – photo by David Kelly
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan