There’s something special about family theatre around the countdown to Christmas. It’s almost as though a sprinkle of magic has been dusted across the auditorium, filling everyone with joy and wonder. And that’s exactly what happened at the National Theatre’s production of Ballet Shoes.
From the moment you arrive, the magic begins. A chorus of dancers in tutus greet you as you enter the auditorium, and you are instantly immersed in the performance before it has even begun. You can feel the buzz and excitement from the audience members waiting in anticipation for the show to start.
Ballet Shoes (originally written by Noel Streatfeild and adapted for stage by Kendall Feaver) tells the story of Gum (Justin Salinger), a dinosaur and fossil travelling enthusiast who unexpectedly has to look after his young great niece Sylvia (Anoushka Lucas) after both her parents die. Although now burdened with this huge responsibility, nothing stops him from travelling the world collecting fossils. On his separate trips, he somehow finds three abandoned babies and decides to take them home (wild, right?!). Of course, Gum is far too busy exploring, so he leaves his teenage great niece Sylvia and the house manager Nana (Lesley Nicol) to raise the children.
Fast forward 11 or so years and those three babies, Pauline (Nina Cassells), Petrova (Sienna Arif Knights) and Posy (Scarlett Monahan), are now teenagers, ready to discover who they are and what they want to become. Their only problem? The fossil filled house is falling apart, the rent is overdue and they’ve been expelled from the last school still willing to take them. With money desperately needed, Sylvia and Nana rent their spare rooms to three lodgers who end up transforming the girls’ lives by encouraging them to pursue their passions. From acting to mechanics to ballet, each girl has undeniable talent, but will it be enough to save the house and keep the family together?
I loved Ballet Shoes. It was everything I want from theatre: funny, entertaining and truly memorable. I had no idea what to expect and wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it, as I assumed it was aimed at a much younger audience. But I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer talent on stage, the thoughtful direction, the heartfelt conversations and the captivating storytelling.
Frankie Bradshaw’s set design was phenomenal. Gum’s fossil cluttered house was so detailed that I genuinely felt like I was living inside it. Definitely one of the best set designs I’ve seen in years. Paule Constable’s lighting design perfectly lit the stage, and I particularly loved the lighting effects used during Gum’s sea voyages as it gave the most beautiful illusion of the ocean. Samuel Wyer did a fabulous job with the costume design. Every outfit contributed to the magic of the story and looked incredible.
The cast was fantastic. Every actor was talented, engaging and full of life. Nina Cassells, Sienna Arif Knights and Scarlett Monahan completely stole my heart. All three actresses were ridiculously talented and perfectly cast. I can’t wait to see them continue to shine in their careers.
Sylvia (Anoushka Lucas) was the perfect guardian. Young yet grown, worried yet wise, she brought so much life and warmth to the role. Ballet dancer Katerina Fedorovsky (Xolisweh Ana Richards) was mesmerising. She beautifully balanced strength and softness in her movement and presence.
Theo Dane (Nadine Higgin) was a standout – an absolute star with serious stage presence. She captivated both me and my friend from the moment she walked on the stage, and we were thrilled when she performed a solo before the curtain call. She is incredibly talented and a joy to watch.
Ballet Shoes reminded me that you are never too young or too old to pursue your dreams, and that even when the world feels stacked against you, you can still shine your light in the darkest moments. This show made me laugh, reflect and feel genuinely inspired. It’s perfect for the whole family, though I’m not entirely sure children under seven would love a show that’s over two hours long. Still, it’s packed with magic, stunning costumes, beautiful dancing and captivating storytelling.
The perfect play to watch this Christmas, or any time of the year.
Related links
Ballet Shoes review | 2024
