Shanghai Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns this Christmas season — a spellbinding production that reimagines Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic through a dazzling mix of Victorian fantasy, Chinese flair, and stunning stage design. Co-produced with the Shanghai Grand Theatre, this lavish performance blends nostalgia, magic, and multimedia artistry for an unforgettable holiday experience.

First co-produced by Shanghai Ballet and Shanghai Grand Theatre in 2010, The Nutcracker (Shanghai Grand Theatre Version) reinterprets the beloved holiday classic through stunning Victorian-era settings, enchanting stage magic, and dance infused with Chinese elements. In this newly updated “Plus Version,” the creative team integrates cutting-edge multimedia art and refreshed costumes, creating an immersive visual experience that transports audiences into a romantic, snow-dusted wonderland.

Introduction

First co-produced by Shanghai Ballet and Shanghai Grand Theatre in 2010, The Nutcracker (Shanghai Grand Theatre Version) reinterprets the beloved holiday classic through stunning Victorian-era settings, enchanting stage magic, and dance infused with Chinese elements.

In this newly updated “Plus Version,” the creative team integrates cutting-edge multimedia art and refreshed costumes, creating an immersive visual experience that transports audiences into a romantic, snow-dusted wonderland.

Synopsis

Act I

It’s Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum household, where young Clara receives a magical Nutcracker doll from her eccentric uncle Drosselmeyer. When the clock strikes midnight, the doll comes to life, a battle with the Mouse King ensues, and Clara’s living room transforms into a glittering winter world.

Act II

Clara and the Nutcracker Prince travel to the Kingdom of Sweets, greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and a host of magical dances from around the world. As dawn approaches, Clara awakens with her beloved Nutcracker in hand — unsure if it was all a dream or something more.

Creative Team

• Choreographer, Set & Costume Designer: Derek Deane
• Composer: P.I. Tchaikovsky
• Lighting Designer: Liu Haiyuan
• New Media Art Design: MOTSE
• Producer: Zhang Songhua
• Production Directors: Ji Pingping, Zhang Xiaoding
• Artistic Director: Xin Lili

About Derek Deane

Former Artistic Director of the English National Ballet, Derek Deane is known for his grand productions such as Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and The Sleeping Beauty.

His collaborations with Shanghai Ballet include The Nutcracker (2010), Hamlet (2016), The Lady of the Camellias (2019), and Le Fantôme de l'Opéra (2023).

Renowned for his sweeping theatrical vision and large-scale storytelling, Deane continues to serve as Artistic Consultant for Shanghai Ballet.