The story of The Nutcracker

Planning to see The Nutcracker this Christmas? Discover the story behind the ballet, from Clara’s magical Christmas Eve adventure to her journey into an enchanting world of dancing and celebration.

 Read our guide to the story before the curtain rises on Friday 20 November at Birmingham Hippodrome.

ACT I

It's Christmas Eve, and Dr Stahlbaum and his wife, a former ballerina, are hosting a party at their home. Their daughter Clara, 15, is training to become a dancer, and she celebrates alongside her younger brother, Fritz. Mrs Stahlbaum has invited some of Clara’s friends from ballet school to perform for the guests, before Clara is encouraged to dance too.

The evening continues with the arrival of Drosselmeyer, a magician who has brought presents for the children. He gives Clara a nutcracker doll, which fascinates her. When Fritz breaks it, Clara is amazed to see it mysteriously repair itself, strengthening her belief that the doll has magical powers. As the party ends, the guests leave and the family goes to bed.

Unable to sleep, Clara returns downstairs to look for her Nutcracker. As midnight strikes, the room begins to grow around her, and a group of giant rats appears, led by their King. The Nutcracker suddenly comes to life and calls upon the toy soldiers to protect Clara. A battle breaks out between the two sides.

When the Nutcracker begins to lose, Clara throws her shoe at the Rat King, bringing him down. The Nutcracker collapses to the ground, seemingly lifeless. Clara holds him in her arms and tries to revive him. To her amazement, he slowly comes back to life and transforms into a handsome Prince. They dance together before setting off for the Land of Snow, where the Winds carry them into the night sky.

ACT II

Clara and the Prince travel through the clouds before arriving in a magical world created by Drosselmeyer. He shows Clara a wonderful place filled with the sun, the moon, flowers and dancers from many different lands.

Their adventure is interrupted when the Rat King returns. The Nutcracker Prince and Drosselmeyer work together to defeat him and banish him for ever. With the danger over, Drosselmeyer arranges a grand celebration in Clara’s honour to reward her bravery.

Clara joins the many dances taking place and, as the celebration continues, transforms into the Sugar Plum Fairy, the ballerina she has always dreamed of becoming. The Nutcracker Prince returns, and they dance together as the festivities reach their climax.

As the dream comes to an end, the magical world disappears and Clara wakes up at the foot of the Christmas tree.

The Nutcracker runs from Friday 20 November to Saturday 13 December 2026 at Birmingham Hippodrome. Book your tickets now for Birmingham's ultimate festive treat!