Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
The Nutcracker ballet | What's on in Joburg

A Festive Favourite: The Nutcracker Ballet Season in Joburg This December

Cape Ballet Africa and Global Star Events are proud to present a brand-new production of The Nutcracker from 4 to 14 December 2025, bringing this magical ballet to Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg for the festive season.

A globally collaborated production of the timeless ballet

The Nutcracker ballet will see South Africa’s finest classical dancers joined by renowned international guest stars, all collaborating to bring Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score to life.

Audiences will be enchanted by this classic tale of the courageous Nutcracker Prince as he battles to save his Princess. Dazzling choreography and stunning costumes complement the magnificent music, creating a truly unforgettable, fantastical experience. From the iconic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to the vibrant “Waltz of the Flowers,” every moment is a visual feast for the senses.

The Nutcracker ballet | What's on in Joburg

Breathtaking choreography and stunning sets bring The Nutcracker to life

Staged by renowned London-based choreographer Maina Gielgud and with magnificent sets designed by Michael Mitchell, The Nutcracker captures the wonder and joy of the festive spirit.  

Maina Gielgud is a hugely experienced choreographer. She has danced with companies around the world, including Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Australian Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, CAPAB, PACT, and the London Festival Ballet. She was also the director/associate director of the Australian Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and Houston Ballet.

Michael Mitchell’s designs for productions including Madama ButterflyCarmen, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Magic Flute, Porgy and Bess, and Mandela Trilogy have been enjoyed by audiences in, among other places, the London Coliseum, the Teatro Real Madrid, the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the Maifestspiele in Wiesbaden.

A festive production not to miss

Debbie Turner, CEO and Artistic Director of Cape Ballet Africa, says, “Bringing the company to Johannesburg is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a wider South African audience. The Nutcracker is such a heartwarming, family-friendly ballet, and we’re excited to add an international flavour to it with our partners Global Star Events and the brilliant guest artists we’ll welcome from around this world. Watch this space!”

Simon Bryce, CEO of Global Star Events, is equally enthusiastic. “South Africans are big ballet fans. We’re thrilled to bring this magnificent Tchaikovsky classic to the stage at the Teatro with the highly talented dancers of Cape Ballet Africa and this internationally respected creative team.”

How to book your tickets now

Cost: R220pp to R690pp, book via Webtickets

When: Thursday, 4 December to Sunday, 14 December. Various times
Where: Teatro at Monte Casino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Get in touch

Website: the-nutcracker.co.za | capeballetafrica.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thenutcracker2025 | @capeballetafrica
Facebook: @TheNutcracker2025 | @CapeBalletAfrica

See more live events in and around Joburg

If you liked this article, you may also like:

What's On in Joburg

Join our exclusive newsletter where we carefully curate the best events, activities and experiences and deliver them right to your inbox!