Olivier Award-winning theatre company Little Bulb will bring its acclaimed production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King to Soho Theatre Walthamstow this Christmas, running from 22 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Originally co-produced by Polka Theatre and Little Bulb, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King became the best-selling Christmas production in Polka Theatre’s 45-year history. The show went on to receive an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Entertainment before transferring to London’s West End last Christmas.
Inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale, the production reimagines the story through Little Bulb’s trademark blend of inventive storytelling, live music and playful theatricality.
The adventure follows two squabbling siblings who receive a mysterious nutcracker from their flamboyant aunty on Christmas Eve. Drawn into the magical Mousey Realm, they must work together to stop the evil many-headed Mouse King before he ruins Christmas.
Featuring clever cardboard creations, comic characters and a chorus of mischievous musical mice, the production promises family entertainment packed with action, comedy and festive songs.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is devised and written by Clare Beresford, Dominic Conway and Alexander Scott in collaboration with Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens, Caroline Partridge, Edith Tankus and Shamira Turner.
Alexander Scott directs, with set, props and costume design by Sam Wilde, lighting design by Joshua Pharo and sound design by Sharon Tsang. Music is co-directed by Clare Beresford and Dominic Conway.
Little Bulb has built a reputation for genre-defying productions that combine music, storytelling and imagination. Previous productions include Wolf Witch Giant Fairy, which won the Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2022, and Orpheus, which received a five-star review from The Times.
The festive production is recommended for ages four and above, offering a feel-good holiday adventure for audiences of all generations.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
