Clara & The Nutcracker

About Clara & The Nutcracker

Clara & The Nutcracker brings to life a beloved Christmas story in a whole new way.

Taking place in our Black Box space, this fulldome immersive experience is inspired by David Nixon CBE’s The Nutcracker.

Sit back and enjoy a 360-degree film of Northern Ballet’s world-class dancers, captured on stage, in the studio and behind the scenes by 4Pi Productions, alongside richly animated fantasy scenes accompanied by recordings of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and delivered in surround sound.

Clara & The Nutcracker – Immersive Experience blends tradition with innovation, warmth and wonder. Shaped by research from humanities academics at the University of Oxford and designed for all ages, from families and newcomers to dance lovers and seasoned culture-goers, it offers a thrilling new way for all to experience a timeless festive classic. 

Discover the magic of Clara’s journey from the inside out and explore dance in a whole new way, up close, all around you, and beyond the stage. 

Credits

Performers

Clara – Rachel Gillespie

The Nutcracker – Harris Beattie

Louise/Sugar Plum Fairy – Saeka Shirai

James/Cavalier – Jonathan Hanks

Recorded soundtrack performed by BBC Concert Orchestra 

Creatives

Creative Directors – Janire Najera and Matthew Wright 

Original choreographer, director, costume designer and scenario – David Nixon CBE 

Set Design – Charles Cusick Smith 

Composer – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 

Movement Director – Gavin McCaig

Conductor – Daniel Parkinson 

Pianist – Colin Scott

Sound designer – Deri Roberts

360 Capture – Emily Nuttall 

Editor/CG – Mauricio Martin 

Filmmaker – Rhys Davies

CG Artist – Jamie Wilson 

Wigs and make-up – Harriet Rogers

Wardobe Manager – Ellie Kemp

Technical director – Steve Wilkins

Academic partners

Professor Joanna Neilly, Associate Professor, Fellow and Tutor in German, St Peter’s College, Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages 

Professor Phillip Bullock, Professor of Russian Literature and Music, Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages 

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Tickets

Please see important booking information below.

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Booking information

Ticket prices:

From £11.00

Tickets are subject to a transaction fee

Dates & times:

Thursday 10 to Thursday 24 December 2026

Running time:

40 minutes

Location:

Black Box

Age guidance: 

Suitable for all ages

Warning:

This show contains sequences with flashing light effects that may affect people susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or other light sensitivities. 

Good to know:

The fulldome experience is approximately 30 minutes long, and you will be seated in reclining chairs to enjoy the experience.