The O2

The O2 today announced that ballet will be returning to the world's most successful music and entertainment venue this December as it stages the celebrated family Christmas show The Nutcracker. Birmingham Royal Ballet will follow the critical and commercial success of the Royal Ballet's Romeo and Juliet which was staged at The O2 in June and was watched by nearly 50,000 people.

From 27 to 30 December 2011 Victor Hochhauser and The O2 in association with Universal Music Arts and Entertainment will present six magical performances of Sir Peter Wright's world acclaimed interpretation of the Christmas classic.

Ingrid Sutej, Director of Content Development for The O2, said: “With nearly 50,000 people visiting The O2 to watch Romeo and Juliet we have shown that there is a huge appetite for ballet out there. We are absolutely thrilled to present The Nutcracker at a time of year when families are spending time together. It is a magical event that just encapsulates the festive spirit in a unique way and it will make for a very happy Christmas at our venue.”

“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring this world famous show to The O2,” said Lilian Hochhauser, Director of Victor Hochhauser. “The O2 will bring a whole new dimension to The Nutcracker. I cannot wait to see how an already visually spectacular production transforms when performed in this stunning arena. It is going to be absolutely breathtaking.”

Keith Longmore, Communications Director for Birmingham Royal Ballet added: “The scale, production values, magic and entertainment in this production sum up everything that is Birmingham Royal Ballet. To have this opportunity to bring this marvellous work back to London is exciting for everyone involved in the staging of this epic production.”

Manfred Seipt, Managing Director of UMA&E said: “I am thrilled to be associated with The O2 and Victor Hochhauser in bringing this show to The O2.”

The O2 is determined to continue making ballet more accessible and affordable to a wider family audience. Tickets for The Nutcracker will be available from as little as £10 per person and tickets for children under 16 will all be half-price.