Varna International Ballet: Swan Lake

The Varna International Ballet is making a return to the UK for their latest season, and they are setting up shop right here at the Theatre Royal on New Road. This company, which was founded back in 1947, is being presented locally by Raymond Gubbay. For those who appreciate the full experience of classical dance, what makes this run particularly appealing is that all the performances will feature the Varna International Ballet Orchestra playing live. The company is led by Artistic Director Daniela Dimova, with Peter Tuleshkov serving as the Musical Director and Principal Conductor.

The schedule is tightly packed across the last weekend of January 2026. On Friday, January 30th, they are performing the festive classic The Nutcracker. That show starts at 7:30 PM and runs for about an hour and fifty minutes, including one interval. The following day, Saturday, January 31st, is dedicated entirely to Swan Lake. If you prefer a daytime outing, there is a matinee performance scheduled for 2:30 PM, or you can catch the evening show, which also starts at 7:30 PM. It’s a chance to see two of the most famous ballets performed back-to-back over two days.

If you are thinking about attending, tickets are available through ATG Tickets. The pricing structure is fairly broad, with standard tickets starting around £29.50 and going up to £66.00, plus any transaction fees. It is worth noting that the organizers mention these prices are just a guide and can change daily, so checking the current rates when booking is advisable. Whether you are interested in the romance of Swan Lake or the magic of The Nutcracker, this run offers a solid opportunity to see high-quality classical ballet right here in Brighton.