Nutcracker in Havana

This is a wonderful and joyous ballet! Carlos Acosta, the Cuban international superstar of the classical ballet world, as director and choreographer, has, along with the Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo, taken the much-loved and well-known Tchaikovsky score of one of our all-time festive favourites to produce what can only be described as a complete Nutcracker cultural reinvention. All the more remarkable as Christmas was effectively banned in Cuba for many years.

The ballet staged by the Cuban National Ballet transforms the familiar Christmas classic into something else entirely, and whilst the framework of the story and the score remain, the finished ballet has an unmistakably Cuban flavour, augmented as it is with traditional Cuban rhythms, the typically Cuban chancleta clogs, congas and a maypole, all of which combine to treat the audience to an explosion of exuberance and joy.

As the curtain opens, we are treated to an aerial ride through the streets of Cuba, arriving at Clara’s humble home in Havana, where the extended family are gathering and preparing to celebrate Christmas. The beer cans decorate the tree, and Cuba is suitably hot and humid. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll by her uncle, Tio Elias Drosselmeyer (Alexander Verona), she embarks on a fantastical journey of a lifetime to defeat the Rat King and travel into the dreamworld of the Sugar Plum Fairy, accompanied, of course, by her Nutcracker Prince.

The large cast are faultless, but an especial mention must go to Adria Diaz (Clara), along with the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, Annette Delgado, and her Prince, Dani Hernandez. The Dolls in Act One and The Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Russian and Mirliton Dances in Act Two each received rapturous applause.

Their poise, grace and athleticism were a joy to behold as each of their movements appeared effortless and gravity-defying. They are not only technically assured, but they all possess a certain musicality that enables them to emphasise the various Cuban rhythms and expressions.

The underlying music is undeniably recognisable as Tchaikovsky’s, but the arrangement by Pepe Gavilondo, using clarinets, saxophones, and trombones, combines to create a distinctive Cuban sound.

The set and video designer, Nina Dunn for PixelLux, has set the scene for the openings of both Act One and Act Two by using aerial video to transport the audience. The use of warm bright colour is a welcome contrast from the usual wintery pastels typical of Christmas time. The use of colour brings warmth and joy to the performance, as do the bright, colourful costumes designed by Angelo Alberto.

This really is a wonderful ballet, traditional and yet still unique. If you can grab a ticket, I’m sure you won’t regret it!!

Sheffield Lyceum Until 10th January 2026