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Ballet Shoes 2024

By Noel Streatfeild
In a new version by Kendall Feaver

Three performers in whimsical costumes pose against a colorful, painted backdrop. One is upside down on a trapeze, another stands holding a prop, and the third hangs from aerial hoops. They wear fluffy dresses and expressive accessories.

Booking and details

26 November 2024 — 22 February 2025
This show has now ended
The event location is

Olivier Theatre

National Theatre
South Bank
London SE1 9PX

Ballet Shoes will return Autumn 2025, booking opens soon.

The bestselling book revitalised for the stage

In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be.

Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?

Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane) returns to the National Theatre to direct this spectacular re-imagining of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel, in a new version by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes).

Performed 26 November 2024 — 22 February 2025 in the Olivier Theatre.

Reviews

★★★★★

A playful, graceful adaptation – and a palpable hit

Telegraph

★★★★★

This superlative adaptation never puts a foot wrong

Evening Standard

★★★★★

If you see one show this Christmas season, make it the effusive, lovable Ballet Shoes

Independent

★★★★★

A perfect joy

The i

★★★★★

Springs from page to stage with panache

WhatsOnStage

★★★★★

Family entertainment with an edge 

Daily Express 

★★★★

An exquisite Christmas Cracker of a show

Guardian

★★★★

This snappy family show is the National at its best

Times

★★★★

Filled with spectacular theatricality and fabulous performances

Observer 

★★★★

Inspirational

Mail On Sunday 

★★★★

Spirited, wholesome and hearty

Daily Mail 

★★★★

A lively tale of self discovery

Financial Times

12 reviews

Suitability

Please note: This production contains themes of adoption and death. Suitable for ages 7 – 107

Supporters

This production is supported by Rosetrees Trust. This is an Edgerton New Plays Commission. New Play Commissions are also supported by the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation

Videos

A group of people are stood on a stage in various colourful 1930's style costumes.
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Stage trailer

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Stage trailer
Two young people with a microphone both are laughing
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Audience reactions

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Audience reactions
Three people wearing colorful, whimsical clothing and capes are playfully engaged with colorful powder. They stand around a table filled with vibrant fabrics and accessories. The background is a multicolored abstract painting.
Play Video

Watch the trailer

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Watch the trailer
Two people in the middle of a dance, one spins wildly whilst laughing. The other looks at them whilst moving
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Inside rehearsals

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Inside rehearsals

Gallery

Open Gallery Dialog: 11 images Performers in blue costumes dance energetically on a wooden stage, in front of a set that resembles the hallway of a large house. The performers strike dynamic poses, lifting their legs high in unison. Three more actors dance upon the set in their character costumes.
Performers in blue costumes dance energetically on a wooden stage, in front of a set that resembles the hallway of a large house. The performers strike dynamic poses, lifting their legs high in unison. Three more actors dance upon the set in their character costumes.
Performers in blue costumes dance energetically on a wooden stage, in front of a set that resembles the hallway of a large house. The performers strike dynamic poses, lifting their legs high in unison. Three more actors dance upon the set in their character costumes.
View 11 images
Four actors in vintage attire are sitting in a classic car on stage. The headlights are on, and there is a smoky effect around them. Another cast member is visible in the back to help move the car around the stage. Two actors on stage in a theatrical production with four large mirrors behind them. A young actress wears a pink cardigan and legwarmers, and a white skirt. She is holding a pair of ballet shoes. The other actor is dressed in a fur coat with a cane, standing confidently with a hand on their chest. Two actors perform on stage. One sits on a small stool with an expressive pose, wearing a green jumper and floral skirt. The other stands nearby in a pink robe, looking towards them. The set includes a blue door, shelves, and various photographs and decorations. A shipwreck depicted on stage with large sails, projected with ocean-like images, and actors are positioned around the stage with bags and furniture. A central actor stands on a trolley with arms raised. Three actors wearing striped pyjama dresses stand in a circle on a stage, with one hand each in a pile. The stage has two vintage beds and shelves with clothing and shoes in the background. Two actors on a stage, stood in a set that replicates the hallway of a large house. The walls have various shelves for fossils and taxidermy, as well as various colourful scientific paintings. The actor on the left is wearing a suit jacket and a trench coat, while the other actor wears a blue shirt and dungarees. Two actors are on stage. One, in a striped dress, sits on the edge of a vintage green tub, looking serious. The other, inside the tub, is crying and reaching back to hug the other actor. An actor dressed in a lavish, vintage-style fur coat stands facing three large mirrors, reflecting their image. Projected into the mirror in front of them is the actor playing a young version of their character, wearing the same headwrap and a similar dress. Two performers on stage, one in a gold and purple outfit supporting a dancer in a pink and blue outfit. The dancer extends an arm, balancing on one foot. The background shows other performers moving pieces of furniture. A group of performers in colourful costumes surrounds a central dancer with neon hula hoops. The scene is set on a dimly lit stage, with vibrant lights focusing on the dancers.

Production images

Open Gallery Dialog: 16 images Three young women stand joyfully in a rehearsal space. One is mid-step with arms outstretched, and the others are smiling and leaning toward each other. They wear comfortable dance clothes, and there's equipment and chairs in the background.
Three young women stand joyfully in a rehearsal space. One is mid-step with arms outstretched, and the others are smiling and leaning toward each other. They wear comfortable dance clothes, and there's equipment and chairs in the background.
Three young women stand joyfully in a rehearsal space. One is mid-step with arms outstretched, and the others are smiling and leaning toward each other. They wear comfortable dance clothes, and there's equipment and chairs in the background.
View 16 images
Four people having fun with an empty wooden shelf on wheels. A man is leaning through one of the shelf openings while another man points a torch at him. Another man holds a torch and an empty cup over the man leaning through the shelf. A woman is stood to the side laughing. Behind them is a bare bones theatre set with two levels, and multiple doors. Four people stand in a discussion in a room filled with photos and documents of costume and set designs on the walls. The woman on the left is speaking, and the other three people are listening to her intently. A large group of people practice ballet positions in a dance studio. They're standing with arms outstretched, using barres for support. Observers are seated at a large table in the background against a wall adorned with photos of costume and set designs. The floor is wooden and painted in a blue gradient. A woman kneels on the floor with excitement, holding a small metal tin and looking at a prop skull fossil. Behind her, multiple people are sat at the edge of the room. A woman with glasses and a red sweater holds a book titled Two men are having a conversation indoors. The man on the left is wearing a colorful, patterned shirt, and the man on the right is wearing glasses and a grey sweater. They are standing in front of a white brick wall. Two women in athletic wear practice a dance routine on a blue wooden floor, smiling and holding hands. In the background, a woman in a pink skirt watches, with various stage props and doors around them in a rehearsal space. Three actors rehearse in a studio with stage props and numbered sections. The central actor has her arms raised in a ballet pose while the others stand to the sides. They are in a rehearsal room with a bare bones set behind them that has two levels and multiple doors. Two women interacting on a metal staircase. One woman in a black vest and white sweater sits on the steps, smiling and looking towards the other woman, who stands nearby in a yellow jacket. They are off to the side of a theatre set in a rehearsal room. A woman raises her arm with a smile during a group activity in a room in front of a skeleton theatre set. A few people partially visible around her join in the activity. A man in casual clothing and a rugged, furry coat smiles and gestures with his hand in a rehearsal space. Behind him is a bare bones theatre set with two levels, and some wooden shelves. A person with short hair leans on a red railing, looking outward with a thoughtful expression. In front of them is a dinosaur skull model. A person with short curly hair sits on a chair holding a script, wearing glasses and a hoodie. The background includes chairs, a hat, and people engaged in different activities. A large group of performers rehearsing ballet positions in a rehearsal space. They perform arm exercises at a barre, with a few extending their arms outward. Behind them is a bare bones theatre set with two levels, and multiple doors. A group of performers rehearse a dance in a studio with wooden walls and a piano. They are smiling and wearing casual dance attire, striking a high-energy pose with one arm up and one knee lifted.

Rehearsal images

A group of primary school children, in the centre a young person with their hand in the air

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Cast

Stacy Abalogun
Stacy Abalogun photo portrait

Stacy Abalogun

Ensemble / Understudy Theo Dane and Doctor Jakes

Eryck Brahmania
Eryck Brahmania photo portrait

Eryck Brahmania

Ensemble / Understudy The Prince

Cordelia Braithwaite
Photo portrait of Cordelia Braithwaite

Cordelia Braithwaite

Young Juliette Manoff / Ballerina / Ensemble / Understudy Winifred and Katerina Federovsky

Luke Cinque-White

Luke Cinque-White

Off-Stage Swing

Michelle Cornelius
Photo portrait of Michelle Cornelius

Michelle Cornelius

Ensemble / Understudy Nana (Miss Gutheridge)

Sonya Cullingford
Photo portrait of Sonya Cullingford

Sonya Cullingford

Winifred / Ensemble

Yanexi Enriquez
Yanexi Enriquez photo portrait

Yanexi Enriquez

Petrova Fossil

Jenny Galloway
Photo portrait of Jenny Galloway

Jenny Galloway

Nana (Miss Gutheridge)

Courtney George
Photo portrait of Courtney George

Courtney George

Ensemble / Understudy Petrova Fossil and Pauline Fossil

Georges Hann
Photo portrait of Georges Hann

Georges Hann

The Prince / Ensemble

Nadine Higgin
Nadine Higgin photo portrait

Nadine Higgin

Theo Dane

Nuwan Hugh Perera
Nuwan Hugh Perera photo portrait

Nuwan Hugh Perera

Pianist / Ensemble / Understudy Jai Saran

Philip Labey
Philip Labey photo portrait

Philip Labey

Ensemble / Understudy Great Uncle Matthew (GUM) and Madame Fidolia

Katie Lee
Katie Lee photo portrait

Katie Lee

Off-Stage Swing

Helena Lymbery
Photo portrait of Helena Lymbery

Helena Lymbery

Doctor Jakes

Sharol Mackenzie
Sharol Mackenzie photo portrait

Sharol Mackenzie

Ensemble / Understudy Posy Fossil

Pearl Mackie
Pearl Mackie photo portrait

Pearl Mackie

Sylvia (Garnie)

Xolisweh Ana Richards
Photo portrait of Xolisweh Ana Richards

Xolisweh Ana Richards

Katerina Federovsky / Ensemble

Sid Sagar
Photo portrait of Sid Sagar

Sid Sagar

Jai Saran

Grace Saif
Photo portrait of Grace Saif

Grace Saif

Pauline Fossil

Justin Salinger
Photo portrait of Justin Salinger

Justin Salinger

Great Uncle Matthew (GUM) / Madame Fidolia

Daisy Sequerra
Photo portrait of Daisy Sequerra

Daisy Sequerra

Posy Fossil

Katie Singh
Katie Singh photo portrait

Katie Singh

Ensemble / Understudy Sylvia (Garnie)

Sam Stones
Sam Stones photo portrait

Sam Stones

Swing

Artistic team

Writer

Noel Streatfeild

Noel Streatfeild

Playwright

Kendall Feaver

Kendall Feaver

Director

Katy Rudd

Katy Rudd

Set Designer

Frankie Bradshaw

Frankie Bradshaw

Costume Designer

Samuel Wyer

Samuel Wyer

Choreographer

Ellen Kane

Ellen Kane

Composer

Asaf Zohar

Asaf Zohar

Dance Arrangements and Orchestration

Gavin Sutherland

Gavin Sutherland

Lighting Designer

Paule Constable

Paule Constable

Sound Designer

Ian Dickinson for Autograph

Ian Dickinson for Autograph

Video Designer

Ash J Woodward

Ash J Woodward

Illusions

Chris Fisher

Chris Fisher

Casting Director

Bryony Jarvis-Taylor

Bryony Jarvis-Taylor

Classical Coach

Cira Robinson

Cira Robinson

Dialect Coach

Penny Dyer

Penny Dyer

Voice Coach

Cathleen McCarron

Cathleen McCarron

Voice Coach

Tamsin Newlands

Tamsin Newlands

Associate Set Designer

Natalie Johnson

Natalie Johnson

Associate Choreographer

Jonathan Goddard

Jonathan Goddard

Swing Consultant

Eddie Slattery

Eddie Slattery

Fight Director

Haruka Kuroda

Haruka Kuroda

Staff Director

Aaliyah Mckay

Aaliyah Mckay

What’s on

What's on guide

Download a pdf of the latest guide (1.8MB)

Download the Alternative format of the guide (515KB)

Assisted performances

Assisted performances are available for all our shows on the South Bank. Details are listed on each show page:

Alterations
Three people are playfully interacting among colorful clothes hanging on a rack. The person in the center is being playfully grabbed by the others, creating a humorous scene against a backdrop of various vibrant garments.

Alterations

Lynette Linton returns to direct Michael Abbensetts’ seminal comedy. Illuminating the Guyanese experience of 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation.
Until 5 April 2025
Info & Tickets for Alterations
Lyttelton Theatre - South Bank
Dear England
A lone figure stands, his back to us, wearing a waistcoat, shirt and trousers, in the centre of the red cross of the England flag that appears as a landscape rolling off into the distance.

Dear England

James Graham’s Olivier-Award winning smash-hit returns to the National Theatre, directed by Rupert Goold.
Until 24 May 2025
Info & Tickets for Dear England
Olivier Theatre - South Bank
Here We Are
A minimalist illustration showing six people walking on a turquoise path. A man in white walks ahead alone, while a group of five people in colorful outfits follows behind. The background is a solid bright red.

Here We Are

Two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello directs Stephen Sondheim’s ‘cool, and impossibly chic’ (New York Times Critic’s Pick) final musical with a book by David Ives.
23 April — 28 June 2025
Info & Tickets for Here We Are
Lyttelton Theatre - South Bank
London Road
A hanging black basket filled with vibrant multicolored flowers including shades of yellow, red, blue, and green against a pale green background. The flowers are densely packed, and the basket is suspended by chains.

London Road

Alecky Blythe and Adam Cork reunite for their award-winning verbatim musical. Rufus Norris directs this ‘Extraordinary show’ (Financial Times).
6 — 21 June 2025
Info & Tickets for London Road
Olivier Theatre - South Bank
Nye
A man wearing red and black striped pajamas and plaid slippers is moving through flowing, translucent teal curtains. He extends his left arm forward, to part one of the curtains. The background consists of soft, undulating teal curtain layers, creating an abstract, dreamy environment.

Nye

Michael Sheen reprises his role as Nye Bevan in this ‘valiant and valuable affirmation of the NHS’ (Telegraph). Written by Tim Price and ‘vividly directed’ (The Times) by Rufus Norris.
3 July — 16 August 2025
Info & Tickets for Nye
Olivier Theatre - South Bank
The Estate
A man with dark curly hair gazes upward with a thoughtful expression. He wears a dark suit jacket over a shirt. The background is a muted, light color, and the image is centered on a maroon backdrop.

The Estate

Adeel Akhtar is Angad in this razor-sharp exploration of family, power and the lies we tell about ourselves. Daniel Raggett directs Shaan Sahota’s remarkable debut play.
9 July — 23 August 2025
Info & Tickets for The Estate
Dorfman Theatre - South Bank
Inter Alia
A person with shoulder-length hair poses in a dynamic stance against an orange background. They wear a black blazer with gold embroidery over a white shirt. One arm is raised, and the other has a fabric band with text.

Inter Alia

Suzie Miller and Justin Martin reunite following their smash-hit Prima Facie for this searing examination of motherhood and masculinity.
10 July — 13 September 2025
Info & Tickets for Inter Alia
Lyttelton Theatre - South Bank
The Land of the Living
A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a dark outfit, looks intently at the camera. She stands against a black background, embracing a child with blonde hair whose face is turned away from the camera.

The Land of the Living

Juliet Stevenson is Ruth in this remarkable and timely new play by David Lan exploring the shapeshifting nature of memory and morality. Directed by Stephen Daldry.
9 September — 1 November 2025
Info & Tickets for The Land of the Living
Dorfman Theatre - South Bank
End
A man's headshot above, with a contemplative expression, wearing a dark jacket and white shirt against a gray background. A woman's headshot below, smiling subtly, with short blonde hair, wearing a dark top against a teal background. Both have neutral expressions.

End

Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves feature in this touching and funny play which completes David Eldridge’s trilogy exploring love and relationships. Directed by Rachel O'Riordan.
13 November 2025 — 17 January 2026
Info & Tickets for End
Dorfman Theatre - South Bank
Ballet Shoes
A textured curtain with a mix of teal, pink, and orange colors. The words

Ballet Shoes

Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book, spectacularly reinvented for the stage in this new adaptation by Kendall Feaver, returns later this year. Directed by Katy Rudd.
17 November 2025 — 21 February 2026
Info & Tickets for Ballet Shoes
Olivier Theatre

Shop

Visit our Shop website for a wide range of playtexts, gifts and prints of past production posters.

Photography (Yanexi Enriquez, Grace Saif and Daisy Sequerra) by Rachel Louise Brown. CGI title by Real Life Living Things. Art direction and design by Louise Richardson and National Theatre Graphic Design Studio.