Dance · West End
Nutcracker
English National Ballet's Nutcracker is set on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. Clara is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll from Drosselmeyer's Sweets and Delights Emporium, and her night takes her through a Christmas party, a battle with the Rat King, an ice realm and the Land of Sweets and Delights.
Aaron S Watkin and Olivier Award winner Arielle Smith are credited with the choreography and concept, with designs by Dick Bird. Tchaikovsky's score is played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. The running time is about two hours with one interval. The company says it is suitable for ages 5+, and a family matinee welcomes children under 5.
Buying advice
How to book
Nutcracker sells strongly at the London Coliseum, so the cheapest seats for a date go first. Peak and off-peak prices are close, so choose the date that suits you. Under-16s pay less.
Ways to pay less
Book ahead for the best value, as the cheapest seats for any date go first. Peak and off-peak prices are close, so choose the date that suits you rather than trying to save a few pounds. The best way to pay less is if you are under 16: children get 25% off tickets, or even free tickets (paying only the booking fee) for the special family-friendly performance on Sat 9 Jan 2027 at 14:00.
Deals3
Best deals across LondonEvery current deal we track for Nutcracker, checked daily. Last checked 23 October.
- Family
Children under 16 get 25% off tickets. Up to 2 under per full price adult ticket. Not valid on top price seats
- Family9 Jan
Children under 16 pay only the booking fee (ticket price is free) for the Family-friendly performance on Sat 9 Jan 2027, 14:00. Max 2 U16s per full paying adult. Children under 5 are allowed in the auditorium for this specific performance.
- Group
Groups of 10+ save 20% on all price bands except premium seats. Valid Mon-Thu evenings and Tue-Fri matinees. A £2.25 booking fee per ticket applies. Exclusions apply. Book via Group Line. Rates subject to change and availability.
Pricing
+0% peak surcharge (mid-range seats)Peak
Weekends & holidays| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £148 | £148 |
| Mid-range | £128 | £78 |
| Budget | £48 | £28 |
Off-peak
Mid-week| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £148 | £148 |
| Mid-range | £128 | £78 |
| Budget | £48 | £28 |
Prices are taken from the show's official website and are a guide only — they change without notice.
Where to sit
The Dress Circle is often the best level for the full stage picture; avoid the extreme sides. The Stalls are close, but mind your neck in the front rows and the overhang at the rear. The Upper Circle is good value from a distance, with a front rail, tight legroom and side angles to consider, and the Balcony has the cheapest seats, from £28, with distance and possible obstructions.
The London Coliseum's own seating guide, level by level, is below.
Thinking of going with a group?
There’s a group rate for this show (see the group deal). Register your interest and we’ll try to organise a trip at that rate once enough people are in.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the London Coliseum, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- The Z Hotel Covent Gardenabout 5 min walk
- Strand Palaceabout 5 min walk
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circusabout 10 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
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