Queensland Ballet to retire The Nutcracker after 13-year run
Queensland Ballet’s desperate funding crisis has reached breaking point as dancers turn tonight’s cherished Nutcracker premiere into an unprecedented public appeal for government support.
Queensland Ballet dancers will tonight take their calls for greater government funding directly to the people.
It is understood dancers will use tonight’s opening night performance of The Nutcracker at QPAC to push their campaign.
QB has been calling for support from state and federal governments in recent years.
In April, Queensland Ballet chair Brett Clark AM said calls for more federal funding had to date been unsuccessful.
“In 2025, to ensure our ongoing sustainability, we have made the difficult decision to re-vision our organisation across our Artistic and Business teams which will see us farewell some of our artists and arts workers,’’ he said at the time.
These cost-cutting measures had the company tracking to finish 2025 in the black, Queensland Ballet artistic director Ivan Gil-Ortega indicated in October.
It comes as the company announced its 2025 season of The Nutcracker would be its last, drawing the curtain on a 13-year run of the much-loved Christmas production.
The company confirmed the 2025 season – running December 5-13 – will be the final time it stages Ben Stevenson’s version of the holiday favourite.
All shows, except December 7, will feature the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under conductor Nigel Gaynor.
Artistic director Ivan Gil-Ortega said the production’s enduring appeal has made it a fixture of the festive calendar.
“This production of The Nutcracker was first introduced to Queensland Ballet 13 years ago through former artistic director, Li Cunxin’s longstanding association with Houston Ballet. We now see generations of families returning each year, that’s the kind of legacy and tradition our production has created,” he said.
“The Nutcracker is about the wonder of childhood and for many, it is the first professional dance performance they will experience. It is a cherished and enduring festive tradition celebrating family, loyalty, and the transformative power of imagination, making it meaningful for everyone.”
Gil-Ortega said the production’s legacy went beyond audiences, offering a platform for the company’s rising stars.
“It is also a wonderful opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow. Many of our Queensland Ballet Academy students take part in the production giving them invaluable opportunities to shine,” he said.
Among performers returning is principal dancer Lucy Green, reprising her role as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“The role really tests your mettle technically. It requires impeccable control, pure classical lines, and unwavering stamina,” she said.
The company confirmed the 2025 season — running December 5–13 — will be the final time it stages Ben Stevenson’s version of the holiday favourite.
All performances, except December 7, will feature the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under conductor Nigel Gaynor.
Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega said the production’s enduring appeal has made it a fixture of Queensland’s festive calendar.
“This production of The Nutcracker was first introduced to Queensland Ballet 13 years ago through former Artistic Director, Li Cunxin’s longstanding association with Houston Ballet. We now see generations of families returning each year, that’s the kind of legacy and tradition our production has created,” Gil-Ortega said.
“The Nutcracker is about the wonder of childhood and for many, it is the first professional dance performance they will experience. It is a cherished and enduring festive tradition celebrating family, loyalty, and the transformative power of imagination, making it meaningful for everyone.”
Gil-Ortega said the production’s legacy extended beyond audiences, offering a vital platform for the company’s rising stars.
“It is also a wonderful opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow. Many of our Queensland Ballet Academy students take part in the production giving them invaluable opportunities to shine,” he said.
Among the seasoned performers returning to the stage is principal dancer Lucy Green, who reprises her role as the Sugar Plum Fairy, a part she said is both joyful and technically punishing.
“The role really tests your mettle technically. It requires impeccable control, pure classical lines, and unwavering stamina. When you get the balance between the technical precision and grace right, it almost feels as if you’re floating. It’s very satisfying,” Green said.
Tickets are priced from $65 to $198, with accompanying children’s workshops running through the season.
Originally published as Queensland Ballet to retire The Nutcracker after 13-year run
