Ballet Shoes
In 1930s London, three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, grow up in a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils collected by the palaeontologist Great Uncle Matthew. Cared for by their guardian Sylvia, their nurse Nana and some unlikely lodgers, the girls pursue very different dreams: acting, flying and ballet. But in a world that was not built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future and keep their family together?
Noel Streatfeild's 1936 novel is adapted for the stage by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes) and directed by Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane), in the National Theatre production that played sold-out seasons in the Olivier Theatre in 2024 and 2025. Anton Du Beke (Strictly Come Dancing) makes his National Theatre debut as Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia at selected performances on its first UK tour. Told with dance, illusions and live theatre, Ballet Shoes brings a classic children's book to the stage for the whole family.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 29 reviews
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Magical - a real treat with the feel good factor The performance was excellent in every respect - dancing, singing, costumes, acting from all. The story line was very clear and appropriate from age 9+ I think. The atmosphere in the theatre was joyous. Loved it.
Pauline, 25 Feb 2026
Great production This was a very thoughtful adaptation of the book. The staging created a fantastic atmosphere that allowed the cast to tell the story.
Karen, 21 Feb 2026
A wonderful and vibrant show With ballet dancers getting sections of the audience to do ballet moves before the show was a great idea. Made everyone smile before it began! Well acted and delivered.
Louise, 11 Feb 2026
Lively, fun and absorbing The energy and obvious enjoyment of the actor made the show excellent from start to finish. Set changes were a fluid part of the show. We left feeling uplifted, entertained and happy
Tracey, 08 Feb 2026
Great for multi generations Great theatre (every seat had a good view) and such a good story for all generations. Such a creative and well organised set. The audience gave a well deserved standing ovation.
Billi, 25 Jan 2026
NT excels Brilliant dancing, costumes and set. seamless scene changes, fast moving making the silences and stillness more poignant and a fantastic array of memorable characters wonderfully supported by a corps of talent. I read the book as a child - this really enlarged the serious message - women against the grain. I loved particularly the whirlwind Alice in Wonderland presentation.
Celia, 09 Jan 2026
Such a wonderful night Loved this production- imaginatively and intelligently directed and with fantastic production values.
KAREN, 06 Jan 2026
Fantastic I’m not a regular theatre goer and I was really unsure about going. And I’d never been to the National Theatre before.
And I loved it. Great story. Great acting. Lovely theatre and comfy seats with plenty of leg room.
Gordon, 29 Dec 2025
Fantastic If you’re thinking of watching ballet shoes I would highly recommend the show and the theatre itself
Hazel, 27 Dec 2025
Uplifting Absolutely lovely show. Charming, funny, warm - you’ll walk out of the theatre buzzing with distilled happiness.
Jeff, 12 Dec 2025
Imaginative, amusing and uplifting I enjoyed the show which was pretty faithful to the book.
The seamless changes from dance to house number 999 created an ever moving visual impact.
Lisa, 27 Jan 2025
Imaginative reworking of a much loved children’s book Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Fabulous dancing. Engaging and humorous.
Margaret Elizabeth, 13 Jan 2025
Wonderful BUT with one big problem You’ll come out tap dancing
Glorious production
Exhilarating to watch
BUT in that huge Olivier theatre the actors should be miked
It’s impossible to hear a lot of actors’ lines
Adriaane, 08 Jan 2025
