Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana brings Cuban Christmas magic to Richmond Theatre this November
Acosta Danza brings its Cuban reimagining of the Nutcracker to Richmond Theatre, following a celebrated run at the Southbank Centre in 2024.
Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana is returning to London — this time to the beautifully restored Richmond Theatre, one of west London’s great Victorian gems. After its well-received run at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, the production arrives early for the festive season, running 18–22 November 2025.
Acosta’s new take on the Christmas classic shifts the action to a family home in Havana, where Christmas decorations include beer cans on the tree and the Caribbean heat is part of the backdrop. When Clara receives a nutcracker doll, she’s swept into a vivid, Cuban-infused adventure: the battle with the Rat King, the journey with the Nutcracker Prince, and the arrival in the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
More than 20 dancers from Acosta Danza perform Acosta’s new choreography, bringing together classical ballet, contemporary movement and traditional Cuban dance. The production is set to a newly commissioned Cuban orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s score by composer Pepe Gavilondo, giving the familiar music a fresh, rhythmic pulse.
Digital projections by Nina Dunn, lighting by Andrew Exeter and costumes by Angelo Alberto shape a production that shifts between Havana and the Land of Sweets with cinematic ease. Families will recognise the story; dance fans will recognise Acosta’s signature mix of technical precision and cultural colour.
Performances run Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. The show lasts 1 hour 52 minutes including interval and is recommended for ages 8+. Tickets start at £24.
Tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/carlos-acostas-nutcracker-in-havana/richmond-theatre/
Acosta fans may also want to book ahead for next spring. Carlos Acosta’s Carmen comes to Richmond Theatre from 8 to 11 April 2026 before touring to Aylesbury, Manchester, Brighton and Woking. Set to Rodion Shchedrin’s re-orchestration of Bizet’s score with touches of Cuban musical colour, the production blends flamenco, ballet and contemporary movement.
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
