Australian Ballet presents The Nutcracker Act II and Other Works at Dunstan Playhouse on 5 August 2026, pairing the beloved second act of the Tchaikovsky classic with contemporary pieces. The programme spans classical and contemporary repertoire, offering both the familiar appeal of tutus and divertissements alongside choreographic works that show the company's current artistic direction.

The Australian Ballet is returning to Adelaide with a programme built for those who want a taste of everything the company does well. The Nutcracker Act II and Other Works pairs the beloved second act of the Tchaikovsky classic with a selection of contemporary pieces, giving audiences both the familiar sparkle of tutus and grand pas de deux and a chance to see where the company's repertoire is heading.

It's a smart way to programme a touring season. The Nutcracker remains one of the most reliable draws in ballet, and Act II in particular delivers the divertissements and the big set pieces that newcomers to the artform tend to love. Surrounding it with bolder contemporary works means the evening doesn't rest entirely on nostalgia. It gives the company room to show range, and gives Adelaide audiences a look at choreographic voices they might not otherwise see on a mainstage season.

Dunstan Playhouse is an intimate setting for a company of this scale, which should make for a more immediate experience than the vast Festival Theatre next door. Ballet in a smaller house tends to reveal more of the physical detail and effort, the things that get lost from the back rows of a bigger venue.

The Australian Ballet doesn't get to Adelaide as often as local dance fans would like, so a mixed programme like this is a welcome way to fill a gap between full-length seasons. Whether the contemporary works on the bill lean towards the stark and pared-back or the theatrical and dramatic isn't detailed yet, but pairing them with a Nutcracker excerpt suggests a programme designed to appeal broadly rather than niche.

Details on casting, exact contemporary works included and ticketing haven't been released yet, but the 2026 season slot at Dunstan Playhouse is confirmed. Keep an eye out as more specifics land closer to the date. For now, it's enough to know that Adelaide will get a night of The Australian Ballet doing what it does best, old and new side by side.

Expect this one to sell solidly given the drawcard of a Nutcracker excerpt alone. Ballet lovers who want to see the company without committing to a full-length narrative work should find this a satisfying middle ground.

Details are correct at the time of publishing. Events can change or be cancelled, so please confirm dates, times and prices with the venue or ticket seller before booking.