The full cast has been announced for Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana, as the ballet embarks on its second UK tour later this year – with a stop at London’s Hackney Empire in November.
Originally opening in November 2024, Nutcracker in Havana is a colourful Cuban take on the festive classic, set to an exuberant Cuban newly-commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo.
Featuring more than 20 dancers from Carlos’ Cuban company Acosta Danza, this traditional story is brought to life with ballet at its core but in Carlos’ unique style, seeing dance traditions of Cuba carefully fused and woven throughout the classic tale.
The cast includes Acosta Danza dancers Amisaday Naara, Daniela Urgelles, Adria Diaz, Ofelia Rodriguez, Thalia Cardin, Melisa Mordera, Cynthia Laffertte, Frank Isaac, Brandy Martinez, Leandro Fernandez, Denzel Francis, Paul Brando, Aniel Pazos, Wendy Elizabeth, Heidy Nunez, María del Carmen Pantoja, Marhia Karla Frías, Noel Sánchez, Carolina Monteagudo, Edgar Quintero, Anthony Quevedo, Ernesto Muñoz and Alejandro Figueredo.
Enrique Bejarano Vidal, Katherine Ochoa, Luis Alejandro Silva Colas, Verónica Corveas, Aymara Vasillo, Yaday Ponce, Alexander Veronaand Mailyn Castillo Laffita join as guest artists.
Chloe Munro , Vee Lynn Tan, Victoria Lavalle and Maya Kirk are also Junior Guest Dancers from the Acosta Dance Centre.
It is choreographed by Carlos Acosta, with video projection, set design and mapping by Nina Dunn, costume design by Angelo Alberto, compositions and arrangements by Pepe Gavilondo Peón and lighting design by Andrew Exeter. It is produced by Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions.
Nutcracker in Havana plays Hackney Empire from November 4-6, 2025. Tickets here.
(All images supplied)