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Clara & The Nutcracker

Immersive Experience
A Northern Ballet, 4Pi Productions, and Schwarzman Centre Production
10 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026
10 Dec 2026
-
24 Dec 2026

Clara & The Nutcracker brings to life a beloved Christmas story in a whole new way.

Taking place in our Black Box space, this fulldome immersive experience is inspired by David Nixon CBE's The Nutcracker. Sit back and enjoy a 360-degree film of Northern Ballet’s world-class dancers, captured on stage, in the studio and behind the scenes captured by 4Pi Productions, alongside richly animated fantasy scenes accompanied by recordings of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and delivered in surround sound.

Clara & The Nutcracker – Immersive Experience blends tradition with innovation, warmth and wonder. Shaped by research from humanities academics at the University of Oxford and designed for all ages, from families and newcomers to dance lovers and seasoned culture-goers, it offers a thrilling new way for all to experience a timeless festive classic. 

Discover the magic of Clara's journey from the inside out and explore dance in a whole new way, up close, all around you, and beyond the stage. 

A Northern Ballet, 4Pi Productions, and Schwarzman Centre Production shaped by humanities research at the University of Oxford with Professor Joanna Neilly, Professor Philip Bullock and Dr Meindert Peters.

 

What is a fulldome experience?

A fulldome experience is an immersive type of film presentation where images are projected onto the entire inside surface of a dome-shaped screen, surrounding the audience above and around them. Unlike traditional flat film screens, fulldome create a 360° visual and audio environment, making you feel like you're inside the film rather than watching it from the outside.

Running time:
40 minutes

Suitable for all ages


Please note:
The fulldome experience is approximately 30 minutes long, and you will be seated in reclining chairs to enjoy the experience.

 

Content warning:
Contains sequences with flashing light effects that may affect people susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or other light sensitivities. 

 

Credits

Clara & The Nutcracker A co-production between Northern Ballet, 4Pi Productions and the Schwarzman Centre
Written and Directed by Janire Najera
Storyboard development Janire Najera & Matt Wright
Original Choreography David Nixon CBE
Movement Director Gavin McCaig
Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Dancers Rachael Gillespie - Clara
Saeka Shirai - Sugar Plum Fairy
Harris Beattie - The Nutcracker
Jonathan Hanks - Cavalier
Executive Music producer, Sound Design and Mix Engineer Deri Roberts
Music performed by BBC Concert Orchestra recorded at Maida Vale Studios
Music producer on orchestral score and Conductor Daniel Parkinson
Voice over Rachael Gillespie
Executive Producers Joel Hall - Schwarzman Centre, University of Oxford
John Fulljames - Schwarzman Centre, University of Oxford
Josie Bamford - Schwarzman Centre, University of Oxford
Emily Spencer - Northern Ballet
David Collins - Northern Ballet
Janire Najera - 4Pi Productions
Matt Wright - 4Pi Productions
VFX Supervisor Mauricio Martin
Edited by Christian Andrews, Mauricio Martin and Janire Najera
Cinematographers Matt Wright, Janire Najera
Chief Camera Operator Rhys Davies
Camera Operators Matt Wright, Janire Najera, Mauricio Martin, Emily Spencer
3D Animation & Motion Graphics Jamie Wilson, Mauricio Martin and Christian Andrews
Compositing Jamie Wilson
Colour Correction Rhys Davies, Mauricio Martin and Christian Andrews
DIT Rhys Davies
Set Design Charles Cusick Smith
Lighting Design Mark Jonathan
Tour Lighting Alastair West
Costume Design David Nixon CBE
Costume Design Assistant Christopher Dudgeon
Wigs & Makeup Manager Harriet Rogers
Wardrobe Manager Ellie Kemp
Stage Management Yvonne Lam, Martin Smith
Additional thanks to Heidi Thorton and Philip Andrew
Behind the Scenes Jasmin Hedger
Special thanks to:  
Oxford University John Fulljames - Cultural Programme Director
Josie Bamford - Cultural Programme Executive Producer
Joel Hall - Senior Digital Programme Producer
Professor Joanna Neilly - Associate Professor, Fellow and Tutor in German, St Peter's College, Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages
Professor Phillip Bullock - Professor of Russian Literature and Music, Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages
Dr Meindert Peters - Honorary Faculty Research Fellow, Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages
Northern Ballet Federico Bonelli - Artistic Director
David Collins - Executive Director
Emily Spencer - Head of Content
Emily Deller - Artistic Planning Manager
Liz Rose - Director of Communications & Audiences
Ciarán Campbell - Head of Music Administration
Colin J Scott - Company Pianist
Martin Smith - Studio Technical Manager

With thanks to Northern Ballet’s Dancers, Technical and Wardrobe Team.
With thanks to Leeds Grand Theatre.
4Pi Productions Lauren James - Support producer

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