Varna International Ballet and Orchestra returns to the UK in 2026, with its most extensive tour to date. Presented by RG Live, Varna International Ballet brings beloved classics Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and, new for 2026, Cinderella, to 23 venues around the UK from Tuesday 6 January to Saturday 14 March 2026.
Founded in 1947 and renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, Varna International Ballet has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with performances of the highest quality. Led by Artistic Director Daniela Dimova, the company presents much-loved classics to charm audiences who are new to ballet and balletomanes alike. The performances are accompanied by live music from the Varna International Ballet Orchestra, led by Azat Maxutov, Music Director and Chief Conductor.
The tour begins in Manchester on Tuesday 6 January 2026, and visits Liverpool, Nottingham, Buxton, Bradford, Glasgow, Darlington, Brighton, Southend, Oxford, Leicester, Bournemouth, Wimbledon, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Edinburgh, Reading, Hull, Blackpool, Wolverhampton, Cardiff, York, and Torquay.
The tour opens at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall with Swan Lake on 6 January and The Nutcracker plus Swan Lake on 7 January. The enchantment continues at Liverpool Empire Theatre (8–10 January), Nottingham Royal Concert Hall (12–14 January), and the beautifully intimate Buxton Opera House (16–18 January). In Bradford, the brand-new Bradford Live venue welcomes the company on 19 January, before Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo is transformed by Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces on 23–24 January.
January closes with a sparkling three-ballet visit to Darlington Hippodrome (25–27 January) featuring matinee and evening performances of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella. The tour then heads south to Brighton Theatre Royal (29–31 January), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (1 February and returning 8 March), Oxford New Theatre (2–4 February), Leicester De Montfort Hall (5–7 February), and Bournemouth Pavilion (8 February).
February continues in full splendor at Wimbledon New Theatre (9–11 February), Ipswich Regent Theatre (12–14 February), Portsmouth Kings Theatre (15 February), and Edinburgh Playhouse (19–21 February), where Scottish audiences can enjoy all three timeless classics. Reading Hexagon hosts the company 23–24 February, followed by Hull New Theatre (26–28 February).
March brings further opportunities to see these world-class productions: Blackpool Grand Theatre (1 & 4 March), Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (3–4 March), Cardiff New Theatre (5–7 March), and York Grand Opera House (9–11 March). The tour concludes at Torquay’s Princess Theatre on 13–14 March with Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella.
Whether you’re discovering these beloved ballets for the first time or returning to cherished favourites, Varna International Ballet’s UK tour promises an unforgettable celebration of grace, beauty, and live orchestral music. Book now and secure your place at one of the most eagerly anticipated classical ballet events of the year. Tickets available from individual theatres and rg.live
