Adelaide Festival Centre to host world premiere of The Australian Ballet’s revival of Cinderella as a celebration of ballet comes to Adelaide in 2027

Adelaide will host an exclusive, world-first for ballet lovers, with a special program of events including a premiere from The Australian Ballet, arriving in 2027.

  
The Australian Ballet’s major new revival of Cinderella will premiere at the Festival Theatre.
 
In celebration of The Australian Ballet’s 65th anniversary, the nation’s best ballet performers will be in Adelaide where lovers of ballet, dance and culture can take part in an extensive program of activities and events in and around the Festival Centre.
 
Ballet en Masse will take place at the Festival Plaza, which will transform into an open-air dance studio, with The Australian Ballet to welcome thousands of participants to a free ballet class for all ages and abilities.
 
A Major exhibition Cinderella: Origins of a Fairytale, will also take place, combining costumes and rare collection objects including the original coach from the 1972 Sir Frederick Ashton production of Cinderella. The original Australian Premiere by The Australian Ballet starred South Australia’s own Sir Robert Helpmann.

Adelaide Festival Centre will host Talking Ballet, a series of conversations at Quartet Bar and Angry Penguin restaurant, and workshops and classes will also be conducted by The Australian Ballet.

Cinderella will be held in the Adelaide Festival Centre, which was recently refurbished with a $43 million investment by the State Government in this iconic institution.

The production will feature original choreography by Sir Fredrick Ashton, with a full company of dancers, and Prokofiev’s score will be performed live by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
 
Running from 1-11 September 2027. To sign up for priority access for both Cinderella and Ballet en Masse, join the waitlist at adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
 
Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke said the stage is set for another blockbuster year of events in South Australia in 2027. 
 
"Our state has firmly cemented its position as an internationally renowned events destination because we turn events into immersive festivals that offer unique and accessible programming that everyone can get involved in – with a celebration of ballet an exciting example of this," Minister Bourke said. 
 
"I have no doubt this announcement will see balletomanes from all over set their eyes on South Australia, as they start planning for a once-in-a-lifetime experience here next September."
 
The Australian Ballet Artistic Director, David Hallberg said to bring their revival of Cinderella to Adelaide in The Australian Ballet’s 65th anniversary year is incredibly special.

"We have a deep appreciation for our Adelaide audiences and donors, who have supported us here over many years so I’m delighted to be bringing this dazzling production to Adelaide and celebrate that connection," Mr Hallberg said. 
 
"We are grateful to our Adelaide philanthropic community too.  This landmark production of Cinderella has been made possible through the generosity of The Australian Ballet's giving community, led by South Australian philanthropists Dr Pamela Wall AO and the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation."
 
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO, Kate Gould said this once-in-a-generation moment showcases Adelaide Festival Centre as a venue where major cultural works are not simply hosted but launched, cementing South Australia’s place in the national touring circuit.