Reimagined The Nutcracker To Play St Martin's Theatre
The St Martin's Theatre will stage a reimagined version of The Nutcracker in the West End this Christmas from 10 December to 4 January 2026.
The "bold and brilliantly silly version" of the classic tale from Little Bulb enjoyed a successful run at the Polka Theatre, receiving an Olivier Award nomination in 2025, and became the best-selling Christmas show ever staged at the venue.
The Nutcracker is designed for children aged 5 to 12, and tells the story of two squabbling siblings who, after receiving a nutcracker from their aunt, embark on a magical journey into 'The Mousey Realm' where they must join forces to stop the evil Mouse King before he destroys Christmas.
Caroline Partridge, Dominic Conway, Clare Beresford, Shamira Turner, and Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens will star in the production, set in London, featuring hilarious comic characters, cardboard creations, and even a chorus of musical mice.
The reimagined new version of The Nutcracker is written by Clare Beresford, Alexander Scott, and Dominic Conway, and is staged in collaboration with Edith Tankus, Caroline Partridge, Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens, and Shamira Turner. Directed by Alexander Scott the creative team behind the production also features lighting design by Joshua Pharo, costume and set design by Sam Wilde, and sound design by Sharon Tsang. The music is co-directed by Dominic Conway and Clare Beresford.
Little Bulb commented: “We are beyond excited to bring our madcap, ‘80s action film-inspired version of The Nutcracker to the iconic St Martin’s theatre for our West End debut! It’s such a beautiful and intimate space bursting with theatre history, making it the perfect place for families to come and feel festive. But, here’s a twist in the tale… our version of this Christmas classic is told by the mice! That’s right, a chorus of cheeky mice playing in the home of the world’s most famous Mousetrap! What could possibly go wrong?”
Producer Brian Fenty said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing Little Bulb’s brilliant production of The Nutcracker to the West End this Christmas. Their wildly inventive, joyously mischievous take on this beloved classic bursts with music, laughter, and heart — it is theatre at its most alive, making it a holiday treat that promises to surprise, delight, and utterly charm audiences of all ages.”
Book The Nutcracker tickets on TheatreTickets-London.co.uk