Nutcracker in Havana, a colourful take on the festive classic that is choreographed and directed by Carlos Acosta CBE, will embark on its second UK tour from the end of October 2025.
The ballet is set to an exuberant Cuban version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo.
Featuring over 20 dancers from Carlos Acosta’s Cuban company Acosta Danza, this traditional story is brought to life with ballet at its core but in Carlos’ unique style, seeing dance traditions of Cuba carefully fused and woven throughout the classic tale.
With video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9 to 5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde), Cuba collides with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana in a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.
The production originally opened in November 2024 to tremendous reviews, which led to sold-out performances across the country. The 2025/26 tour will kick off on 31st October 2025 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and close on 11th February 2026, where it will return to its original home, Norwich Theatre Royal.
As part of the tour, the production will also visit London, Blackpool, Richmond, Sheffield, Aberdeen, Inverness, Chester, York and Edinburgh. Casting for the show is yet to be announced.
Fusing classical and Cuban genres
Ballet superstar Carlos Acosta was born in Havana, Cuba and trained at The National Ballet School of Havana. After winning a succession of awards, including the 1990 Prix De Lausanne, he went on to dance professionally with the world’s most prestigious companies, with London’s Royal Ballet becoming his home. Carlos retired from classical ballet in 2016, after 28 years, having performed almost every classical role from Spartacus to Romeo.
Acosta has created many award-winning shows throughout his ballet career, including Tocororo, and Carlos Acosta and Friends of the Royal Ballet, also choreographing the Royal Ballet productions of Don Quixote and Carmen and the 2014 West End production of Guys and Dolls.
Speaking about the upcoming tour of Nutcracker in Havana, Acosta said: “Creating and touring this first full-length production for Acosta Danza makes me incredibly proud. Watching them fuse together their classical and contemporary dance genres and Cuban Folk, with their sheer joy of dance, to the delight of audiences up and down the country has been a real dream come true for me.
“The success of the first tour filled me with such pride and I am truly honoured that this very special show is touring again. I am excited for even more audiences to enjoy our Cuban Christmas treat.”
For more information about the UK tour of Nutcracker in Havana, visit nutcrackerinhavana.com.
