Ballet Shoes Returns to the National Theatre for Winter 2025 Festive Season

A Beloved Family Classic Comes Back to the Olivier Theatre

The National Theatre’s celebrated production of Ballet Shoes is set to make a grand return to the Olivier Theatre for the winter 2025 festive season. This acclaimed adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel, written by Kendall Feaver, was a highlight of the theatre’s recent programming, and due to popular demand, it will be revived as part of incoming Director and Co-CEO Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season.

A Production That Captivated Audiences and Critics

First staged to five-star reviews, Ballet Shoes has been praised for its charming, graceful storytelling and imaginative theatrical magic.

⭐ "A playful, graceful adaptation" – Financial Times
⭐ "Never puts a foot wrong" – London Evening Standard
⭐ "Springs from page to stage with panache" – WhatsonStage

With its heartwarming story and breathtaking stagecraft, this production has delighted audiences of all ages and will once again bring its theatrical wonder to the West End this winter.

Indhu Rubasingham’s Vision for Ballet Shoes

Incoming Director and Co-Chief Executive Indhu Rubasingham expressed her enthusiasm for the production’s return:

“I am proud that Ballet Shoes will be returning to the Olivier this Christmas. It is a celebration of what the NT does best – when all the teams, departments, and the widest range of expertise come together to create a family show for all audiences full of theatrical magic. I want more people to see this beautiful show made by wonderful artists, developed and built by this brilliant organisation.”

A Story of Dreams, Determination, and Dance

Set in a crumbling house filled with fossils and history, Ballet Shoes follows the journey of three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova, and Posy – as they strive to forge their own paths. Under the care of their guardian Sylvia and their unconventional lodgers, the sisters navigate their aspirations in a society that often stifles women with big ambitions.

As they chase their dreams of acting, flying, and ballet, they must learn to support one another, stay resilient, and find their place in the world.

This uplifting and inspiring tale has captured generations of readers, and in this spellbinding stage adaptation, it promises to captivate theatregoers young and old.

An Award-Winning Creative Team

This stunning production is directed by Katy Rudd, with a stellar creative team bringing its magic to life:

• Set Design: Frankie Bradshaw

• Costume Design: Samuel Wyer

• Choreography: Ellen Kane

• Music & Composition: Asaf Zohar

• Dance Arrangements & Orchestrations: Gavin Sutherland

• Lighting Design: Paule Constable

• Sound Design: Ian Dickinson (Autograph)

• Video Design: Ash J Woodward

• Illusions: Chris Fisher

• Casting Director: Bryony Jarvis-Taylor

• Dialect Coach: Penny Dyer

• Voice Coach: Cathleen McCarron

A Festive Family Favourite Returns

With its charming story, stunning visuals, and breathtaking performances, Ballet Shoes is set to be one of the must-see theatrical events of the 2025 festive season.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical adaptation—book your tickets early and step into a world where dreams take flight!