Matthew Bourne The Red Shoes

Everywhere Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes goes, audiences adore it. Set in mid-19th century London, Monte Carlo and Villefranche-sur-Mer, the production explores themes of determination, ambition, obsession and possession. You'll be transfixed by the tragic story of Victoria Page, who was born to dance. Determined to become the world's greatest ballet dancer, she is spotted by ballet guru Boris Lermontov, who asks composer Julian Craster to write a special ballet based on the old Hans Christian Andersen story. Victoria, who has fallen deeply in love with Craster, faces an impossible choice between her lover and her career. Eventually, traumatised and distressed, she is run down by a train while trying to escape from Lermontov.

Already a legend in its own lifetime, this is the winner of an LA Critics Award for its choreography, set and costume design. It also won two Oliviers in 2017, one for Best Theatre Choreographer and the other for Best Entertainment. The score is orchestrated by Terry Davies, with original music by the Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann. Lez Brotherston is responsible for the set and costumes), Paule Constable for the lighting, and Paul Groothuis for the sound. A festive treat for ballet lovers and Bourne's 23rd Christmas production in a row at Sadlers Wells, we predict a sell-out.