“Every Christmas deserves its own fairy tale. This year, let yours be The Nutcracker & Friends”
An original ballet fantasy by Igor Tsvirko set to the music of P. I. Tchaikovsky
THE NUTCRACKER & FRIENDS
12-13 DECEMBER 2026 I 19:00 & 15:00 I PATTIHIO THEATER, LIMASSOL
Tchaikovsky’s beloved music known since childhood, cherished characters, and the true magic of ballet — united in a new Christmas story by Celebrity Gala.
We know what makes an unforgettable evening at the theatre. That is why our stage welcomes stars of the Bolshoi Theatre Igor Tsvirko and Kristina Kretova alongside acclaimed soloists from leading European theatres.
We know what makes an unforgettable evening at the theatre. That is why our stage welcomes stars of the Bolshoi Theatre Igor Tsvirko and Kristina Kretova alongside acclaimed soloists from leading European theatres.
Here, classical choreography meets contemporary dance and theatrical action, weaving the composer’s fantasies into one grand Christmas fairy tale.
“The Nutcracker & Friends” is not a traditional full-length production of the famous ballet, but a new story inspired by its motifs.
About the Production Format
What if the fairy tale was
imagined by Tchaikovsky himself?
imagined by Tchaikovsky himself?
The Story & Artistic Format
Imagine a small German town on Christmas Eve. Everywhere you look, there is festive bustle, music, children’s laughter, and the quiet anticipation of a miracle.
Among the guests appears an extraordinary man — the composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. In this story, he becomes both the narrator and the mysterious Drosselmeier, capable of turning his deepest fantasies into reality.
Gradually, the heroes of his imagination come to life on stage: the brave Nutcracker, Marie, and the fearsome Mouse King. Toys clash in battle, snowflakes swirl in a crystalline waltz, and the familiar music carries us ever further into a fairy-tale world.
Among the guests appears an extraordinary man — the composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. In this story, he becomes both the narrator and the mysterious Drosselmeier, capable of turning his deepest fantasies into reality.
Gradually, the heroes of his imagination come to life on stage: the brave Nutcracker, Marie, and the fearsome Mouse King. Toys clash in battle, snowflakes swirl in a crystalline waltz, and the familiar music carries us ever further into a fairy-tale world.
Celebrated interpreter of leading roles in the classical repertoire, whose crystalline technique, deep musicality, and radiant stage charm captivate audiences around the world.
Kristina Kretova
Prima Ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre
Performing the enchanting central variations of the Christmas fairy tale.
Leading Classical Role
One of the leading male dancers of Russian ballet, acclaimed performer of principal roles across both the classical and contemporary repertoire.
Igor Tsvirko
Premier of the Bolshoi Theatre & Artistic Director of Celebrity Gala
Original idea & artistic concept of the production are created by Igor Tsvirko
Artistic Authorship
This is the ballet we love. And this is the ballet we want to share with you
Joined on stage by acclaimed artists from European theatres.
When Ballet Is True Art
There is a profound difference between simply watching ballet and experiencing it performed by extraordinary artists.
Celebrity Gala invites dancers from leading theatres to Cyprus — artists for whom classical ballet is not merely a profession, but an art form brought to perfection. And this Christmas evening will be no exception.
Celebrity Gala invites dancers from leading theatres to Cyprus — artists for whom classical ballet is not merely a profession, but an art form brought to perfection. And this Christmas evening will be no exception.
World-Class Artistry
Everything We Love About “The Nutcracker.” And A Little More
Artistic Language & Atmosphere
Swirling snowflakes, the battle with the Mouse King, and the warm glow of Christmas Eve: an enchanting theatrical atmosphere for adults and children alike.
True Christmas Wonder
Classical choreography meets expressive contemporary movement and dramatic stage action, guided by Tchaikovsky himself as narrator and Drosselmeier.
Original Artistic Storytelling
Soaring lifts, crystalline pas de deux, and the timeless grace of the grand classical school performed by Bolshoi principals and European soloists.
The Beauty of Classical Ballet
Tchaikovsky’s unmistakable melodies are impossible to confuse with anything else, and without which it is hard to imagine a true Christmas fairy tale.
Music Known
Since Childhood
Since Childhood
The beauty of ballet is Better seen than described.
This video features highlights from past Celebrity Gala ballet productions. They capture the atmosphere and artistic standard of our projects, though they do not show footage from the upcoming performance.
We could talk at length about the mastery of the dancers, the beauty of the choreography, and the atmosphere of our evenings. Better yet, just watch. This is Celebrity Gala. And moments like these are the very reason we create our projects.
A Gift of Shared Wonder
Give Your Loved Ones a Fairy Tale They Will Remember
Objects are forgotten, but the emotion of a festive evening at the theatre stays with your family for years. Whether it is a child’s magical introduction to Tchaikovsky or a cherished holiday tradition for parents and grandparents,
The Nutcracker & Friends is the ultimate December gift.
The Nutcracker & Friends is the ultimate December gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
“The Nutcracker & Friends” is an original ballet fantasy by Igor Tsvirko set to the music of P. I. Tchaikovsky. Rather than a standard textbook staging, it presents a captivating new story inspired by the famous ballet’s motifs—where Tchaikovsky himself appears on Christmas Eve as both storyteller and Drosselmeier, bringing Marie, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King to life through a blend of classical choreography, contemporary dance, and theatrical storytelling
Yes! The production is designed as an enchanting Christmas fairy tale for both adults and families with children (recommended age 5+). Families with younger children especially enjoy the Sunday 15:00 Matinee on 13 December, while the 19:00 Evening Performance on 13 December offers a grand festive night out.
The production headlines stars of the Bolshoi Theatre—Premier and Celebrity Gala Artistic Director Igor Tsvirko (who is also the author of the idea and artistic concept) and Prima Ballerina Kristina Kretova—performing alongside soloists and artists from leading European theatres.
Pattihio Municipal Theatre is located in central Limassol (Agias Zonis 4, Limassol 3027, Cyprus). We recommend arriving 30-40 minutes prior to curtain time to enjoy the festive foyer atmosphere and take your seats comfortably before the music begins.
Artistic Director: Igor Tsvirko
Tickets & Inquiries
info@celebritygala.cy
© 2026 Celebrity Gala Limited. All rights reserved
Reserve your seats for the magical Christmas Fantasy early
Curating world-class ballet galas and original theatrical productions in Cyprus featuring principal dancers of the Bolshoi Theatre and premier European stages.
The Nutcracker & Friends — Original ballet fantasy on the music of P. I. Tchaikovsky
Pattihio Municipal Theatre, Limassol, Cyprus
12–13 December 2026 | 19:00 & 15:00
Event Details
