What: Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker  
When: February 25  to March 1, 2026
Where: Artscape Opera House, Cape Town
Orchestra: The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the performance live for selected performances and the other performances will be recorded music by the CTPO
Choreography and stage direction: Maina Gielgud
Costume design: Marcel Meyer
Set design: Michael Mitchell
Age advisory: The show is recommended for all ages over five years
Tickets:  R290 -R790
Bookings: Webtickets

Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker has received rave reviews and sold-out houses in Johannesburg. We do not have to have FOMO any longer as this acclaimed production will be on in Cape Town at Artscape from February 25  to March 1, 2026 – only seven performances. This is a wonderful way to start the  new year. Read on for more. Info as supplied:

Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker at Artscape for seven shows only!

Following a record-breaking run in Johannesburg, The Nutcracker comes to Cape Town in February 2026 for seven performances only.


The Mother City will finally have the chance to experience the mother of all ballets when the magic of Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker is performed at Artscape’s Opera House in February. Hot off the stage from its critically acclaimed Johannesburg run where this Tchaikovsky classic played to rapturous responses and sold-out houses.

Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcrackerwill be performed for a strictly limited season of seven performances, from February 25 to March 1, 2026. No extensions are possible.

The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the performance live for selected performances.

Bookings can be made at Webtickets

Against the musical backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s captivating score, this new production is created and performed by a 50-strong member company, featuring choreography and stage direction by internationally renowned Maina Gielgud.  The sumptuous costumes are designed by Marcel Meyer with magnificent sets by Michael Mitchell.

Including classics such as Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers and The Kingdom of Sweets and Delights, The Nutcracker remains a perennial favourite, to be enjoyed at any time of the year. It’s perfect entertainment for ballet aficionados and first-time theatre goers alike.

Comments about the production include:

‘brilliant costumes…dramatic lighting… beautiful throughout’ – Bruce Dennill

dazzling costumes…spectacular dancing… every moment is a visual feast for the senses…the hottest show in town over the festive season’Laura’s World

sublime…Go and watch. It will make you very happy’ –Sam Says

visually stunning…world‑class dancing, rich sets, beautiful costumes, standout soloists and a strong ensemble’

This production is an initiative of Cape Ballet Africa and international producers Global Star Events.

Join us to experience the enchanting world of the young Clara, who receives an intriguing Christmas gift and goes on a journey through mesmerising dream landscapes,” says Debbie Turner, artistic director and founder of Cape Ballet Africa. “We are delighted to be presenting this extraordinary production to Cape Town audiences for a strictly limited season. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be enjoyed all year round! With no extension possible, don’t delay to book your tickets.”

CEO of Global Star Events, Simon Bryce added “Rivalling their international peers, Cape Ballet Africa is leading the renaissance of classical dance in South Africa with this wonderful family classic. Whether you are a seasoned ballet goer or first time attendee, you will be enthralled, thrilled and amazed by the world class dancing, mind blowing costumes and amazing set.”

The Nutcracker, presented by Cape Ballet Africa and Global Star Events will be performed at Artscape Opera House from February 25 to March 1, 2026.

Performance dates are:

February 25 and 27 @ 20h00: performance accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra live

February 26 @ 20h00: performance to recorded music from the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

 February 28 @ 15h00: performance to recorded music from the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

February 28 @ 20h00: performance to recorded music from the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra

March 1 @ 14h00: performance accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra live

 March 1 @ 18h00: performance accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra live

The show is recommended for all ages over five years. 

Ticket prices range from R290 to R790.

Book now at Webtickets

*Only valid tickets purchased from Webtickets, the exclusive ticketing agent, may be presented.

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Artscape


Website – https://www.artscape.co.za/

Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Lauge Sorensen.  Image supplied.

✳ Sponsored content. Featured image: Caio Tardelli and Joshua Williams in Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Lauge Sorensen.  Images supplied.