London Ballet Tickets 2023-2024
Discover a breathtaking variety of ballet in London, performed by some of the most prestigious companies in the world. You can enjoy gorgeous traditional performances with music by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky at the London Coliseum, or head to the Peacock Theatre and Sadler's Wells, where dynamic new work that combines ballet and contemporary dance bursts off the stage.
Boasting stunning sets, beautiful dancing, and soaring music, London’s must-see ballet shows enchant thousands of theatregoers every year, and for many become a family tradition to enjoy again and again. Book ballet tickets in London and inspire a joy of dance that will stay with you forever.
Boasting stunning sets, beautiful dancing, and soaring music, London’s must-see ballet shows enchant thousands of theatregoers every year, and for many become a family tradition to enjoy again and again. Book ballet tickets in London and inspire a joy of dance that will stay with you forever.
1. The Nutcracker: A Festive Tradition for the Whole Family
The Nutcracker is a major part of the West End’s festive season, and a show that many theatregoers have enjoyed more than once. Featuring stunning costumes and set design, beautiful dances and Tchaikovsky's heart-stopping music, this enchanting story about a young girl’s adventures in the Land of Snow delivers a sprinkle of wintry magic that the whole family can enjoy.
from £20.50
Save up to £22.752. The Snowman: A Perfect Introduction to Dance Theatre
Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, this family ballet is based on the beloved Raymond Briggs‘ picture book and animated film. The Snowman is an enchanting journey that the youngest dance-lovers can enjoy. As the titular Snowman whisks James out the window and they soar through the sky to the moving song “Walking in the Air”, young and old alike are held enraptured. This is the perfect ballet for families who want to introduce young children to the magic of theatre and remains one of the most popular Christmas shows in London.
from £17.00
Save up to £10.003. Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands: Gothic Whimsy
Olivier Award-winning choreographer Matthew Bourne puts his own special stamp on Tim Burton's quirky gothic film in this beautiful dance production, back in London for the first time since 2014. Bourne - best known for his definitive Swan Lake and Nutcracker! - and his company New Adventures are the perfect team to transform this story for live theatre, and they bring whimsy, heart, breathtaking dance and music by Danny Elfman to the table with incredible results. This is a fantastically accessible show for anyone new to dance, and an endlessly inventive one for the entire audience to get swept up by.
from £17.89
Save up to £6.404. Giselle: A Bewitching Tale of Love, Betrayal and Revenge
Renowned choreographer Mary Skeaping’s haunting production returns to London for a limited season. Adolphe Adams’ lush, emotionally-charged score accompanies the tragic story of a peasant girl who is deceived and betrayed by her lover, and is tempted into vengeance by an unholy sisterhood. This enthralling production is back in the capital for two weeks only.
from £22.00
5. English National Ballet Our Voices: A Vibrant Dance Showcase
Fans of ballet and contemporary dance should book tickets to see this exciting showcase of three works from some of our most acclaimed choreographers. George Balanchine’s Themes and Variations, Andrea Miller’s Les Noces and David Dawson’s Four Last Songs present a dynamic mix of styles from the 20th and 21st centuries, and is the perfect introduction to dance for anyone who wants to dip their toe into the breadth of talent and genres on offer.
6. Swan Lake: The Timeless, Quintessential Classical Ballet
Like The Nutcracker, this is one of Tchaikovsky‘s famous Christmas ballets, exquisitely produced and performed by the English National Ballet. The iconic sight of a whole row of ballerinas in white tutus, moving in perfect unison to the delicate melodies of the “Valse des cygnes” (Swan Waltz) is one of the many scenes that make Swan Lake one of the most ‘technically and emotionally challenging classical ballets‘. The English National Ballet brought Swan Lake to the London Coliseum in January 2023. We hope it will be back for the 2023-2024 Winter season, so be sure to set an alert to be the first to know when you can see this stunning production again.
7. Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!: Bold Reimagining is a Festive Treat
Matthew Bourne’s celebrated reimagining of The Nutcracker maintains most of the iconic Tchaikovsky score but reimagines and modernises many other elements. The result is a dazzling and daring take on the source material, full of colour and humour. In this adaptation, Clara is reimagined as a Dickensian orphan while the titular Nutcracker is a muscled body-builder who whisks Clara away on a kaleidoscopic adventure to the Candy Kingdom of Sweetieland. This fresh and vibrant retelling is always a hit with audiences and a welcome addition to the London Christmas season, last gracing the capital in Winter 2021-2022. Set an alert to be sure you don’t miss this wonderful production when it returns.
Where can I watch ballet in London?
The English National Ballet is one of the best dance companies in the world, with performances often taking place at the London Coliseum. Theatregoers can see the company’s productions at the Royal Albert Hall and Sadler’s Wells as well. The latter, along with the Peacock Theatre, are also creative hubs for brand-new work by new and upcoming dance companies and choreographers.What is the most popular ballet show?
The Nutcracker is one of the most famous ballets ever produced, and has played a festive season at the London Coliseum for more than 50 years. It is so popular that is often sells out in advance, and theatregoers book ahead to make sure the whole family can enjoy this iconic show together.More recently, choreographer Matthew Bourne’s productions have become very popular. His distinctive style often blends dance with other influences such as musical theatre. Some of his most well-known works are Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake which famously had an all-male company of swans, and The Red Shoes.
What should I wear to the ballet in London?
There is no strict dress code for attending ballet shows in London, and you are welcome to wear whatever is most comfortable, including jeans.Some people like to attend in formal wear, especially if they are seeing an evening performance, gala, or visiting for a special occasion. You are likely to see a wide variety of outfits from casual to dresses and heels, especially for Christmas performances when children may enjoy dressing up.
What children’s ballet shows are in London in 2023?
The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre is one of the best dance shows for children and families, and a fantastic introduction to the genre for young theatregoers. Its familiar story and music, festive connotations and playful costumes make it an engaging choice and special experience.Other dance shows for kids in London often play limited seasons at the Peacock Theatre. These are fun, short versions of classics including Swan Lake and Cinderella.
