Varna International Ballet returns for a new season in 2026 brought to life by magical special effects. Performed by Varna International Ballet; accompanied by a live orchestra, Varna International Ballet Orchestra. This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins… Varna International Ballet and OrchestraFounded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet returns to the UK for a third consecutive year, following two breathtaking tours. Daniela Dimova artistic directorAzat Maxutov music director and chief conductor "We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage." Daniela Dimova You may also be interested in:Swan Lake…
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7 February 2026 The Nutcracker
Varna International Ballet returns for a new season in 2026 brought to life by magical special effects. Performed by Varna International Ballet; accompanied by a live orchestra, Varna International Ballet Orchestra. This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins… Varna International Ballet and OrchestraFounded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet returns to the UK for a third consecutive year, following two breathtaking tours. Daniela Dimova artistic directorAzat Maxutov music director and chief conductor "We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage." Daniela Dimova You may also be interested in:Swan Lake…
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3 January 2026 Dick Whittington
Friday 12 December 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026 Hold on to your cats…ahem, hats, Dick Whittington is coming to Leicester in 2025! De Montfort Hall and Imagine Theatre are proud to present, Dick Whittington! Dick and his trusty cat are heading for the town paved with gold, good old London! When Dick realises he is penniless, he sets out on a journey to London, where the streets are reportedly paved with gold. Of course, his trusty cat joins him for this epic journey. While in London, he’ll take on Queen Rat and her growing army, meet the Fitzwarrens, and have a legendary adventure! Starring BBC Radio 2’s Richie Anderson in his panto debut! One of the UK’s most recognisable voices, having been part of Zoe Ball’s breakfast show team for many years, Richie is a beloved radio and TV personality, sure to bring his infectious joy to the Leicester stage! Adding a little sparkle to Christmas will be TV and music star, Suzanne Shaw. Rising to fame with chart-topping pop group Hear’Say, Suzanne has since enjoyed a hugely successful career in theatre and television, including Emmerdale and Dancing on Ice. CBeebies favourite Rebecca Keatley joins the cast as Alice Fitzwarren. Best known for presenting in the CBeebies house, where she also fronts the hit show Let’s Play. West End star, Djalenga Scott, will be our fabulous Queen Rat, bringing her incredible vocals and stage presence! It wouldn’t be Christmas without our beloved Jarred Christmas adding hilarity to the show,…
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3 January 2026 Dick Whittington
Friday 12 December 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026 Hold on to your cats…ahem, hats, Dick Whittington is coming to Leicester in 2025! De Montfort Hall and Imagine Theatre are proud to present, Dick Whittington! Dick and his trusty cat are heading for the town paved with gold, good old London! When Dick realises he is penniless, he sets out on a journey to London, where the streets are reportedly paved with gold. Of course, his trusty cat joins him for this epic journey. While in London, he’ll take on Queen Rat and her growing army, meet the Fitzwarrens, and have a legendary adventure! Starring BBC Radio 2’s Richie Anderson in his panto debut! One of the UK’s most recognisable voices, having been part of Zoe Ball’s breakfast show team for many years, Richie is a beloved radio and TV personality, sure to bring his infectious joy to the Leicester stage! Adding a little sparkle to Christmas will be TV and music star, Suzanne Shaw. Rising to fame with chart-topping pop group Hear’Say, Suzanne has since enjoyed a hugely successful career in theatre and television, including Emmerdale and Dancing on Ice. CBeebies favourite Rebecca Keatley joins the cast as Alice Fitzwarren. Best known for presenting in the CBeebies house, where she also fronts the hit show Let’s Play. West End star, Djalenga Scott, will be our fabulous Queen Rat, bringing her incredible vocals and stage presence! It wouldn’t be Christmas without our beloved Jarred Christmas adding hilarity to the show,…
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8 November 2025 Cirque: The Greatest Show – Reimagined
Cirque: The Greatest Show – REIMAGINED Cirque explodes into 2025 with a brand-new show – bolder, braver and more breath-taking than ever before! Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights. Experience iconic West End showstoppers paired with awe-inspiring circus acts showcasing their breath-taking feats of agility. This all-new production promises to transport you on a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey bursting with colour, energy, and excitement. *Starring Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer winner Max Fox*, and featuring stunning vocalists and world-class circus performers, this family-friendly extravaganza is a must-see for 2025! *Star names appear at select performances. Cast subject to change without notice.
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8 November 2025 Cirque: The Greatest Show – Reimagined
Cirque: The Greatest Show – REIMAGINED Cirque explodes into 2025 with a brand-new show – bolder, braver and more breath-taking than ever before! Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights. Experience iconic West End showstoppers paired with awe-inspiring circus acts showcasing their breath-taking feats of agility. This all-new production promises to transport you on a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey bursting with colour, energy, and excitement. *Starring Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer winner Max Fox*, and featuring stunning vocalists and world-class circus performers, this family-friendly extravaganza is a must-see for 2025! *Star names appear at select performances. Cast subject to change without notice.
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28 September 2025 The Dinosaur that Pooped – A Rock Show!
Brand New for 2025! When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day? Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo! Produced by Mark Thompson Productions Limited and Directed by Miranda Larson.
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28 September 2025 The Dinosaur that Pooped – A Rock Show!
Brand New for 2025! When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day? Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo! Produced by Mark Thompson Productions Limited and Directed by Miranda Larson.
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