No longer booking

Final performance: 21 February 2026

The National Theatre production of Ballet Shoes, based on the beloved novel by Noel Streatfeild, completed its run at the Olivier Theatre in London on 21 February 2026.

Visitors searching for Ballet Shoes tickets at the National Theatre should note that the production has now closed following its acclaimed season.

A Beloved Story Brought to the Stage

Ballet Shoes is a heart-warming stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s much-loved children’s classic, telling the story of three adopted sisters discovering their dreams.

Set in a creaking London house filled with fossils and curiosities, the story follows Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil as they grow up together and begin to pursue their very different ambitions.

As each sister searches for her own path, their journey becomes a joyful celebration of family, identity and finding your place in the world.

National Theatre Production

This acclaimed stage adaptation was written by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes) and directed by Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane).

The production featured a standout cast including:

  • Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) as Nana
  • Anoushka Lucas (Oklahoma!, A Face in the Crowd) as Sylvia

Praised for its warmth, imagination and emotional storytelling, Ballet Shoes became a festive favourite during its run at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre.

Discover More London Theatre

Although Ballet Shoes has now closed at the National Theatre, there are many exciting plays, musicals and family shows currently performing in London. Browse all London theatre shows now playing in the West End.

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. Can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?

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Performance Information

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Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Ballet Shoes?

Sienna Arif-Knights as Petrova Fossil, Nina Cassells as Pauline Fossil and Scarlett Monahan as Posy Fossil.

Lesley Nicol as Nana and Anoushka Lucas as Sylvia.

Eryck Brahmania as Prince, Luke Cinque-White as Flyman, Georges Hann as Flyman, Nadine Higgin as Theo, Xolisweh Ana Richards as Katerina Federovksy, Justin Salinger as Great Uncle Matthew/Fidolia/Mr French/Mr Sholsky/Madame Manoff, Raj Bajaj as Jai, Chrissy Brooke as Young Manoff/(The) Ballerina, Pandora Colin as Dr Jakes, and Gracie Hodson-Prior as Winifred.

Swings and Ensemble include Rosie Boore (Ensemble), Katie Singh (Ensemble), Kaitlyn Moore (Ensemble), Anu Ogunmefun (Ensemble), Stephanie Elstob (Swing), Sebastian Goffin (Swing), Suzy Osadchyi (Swing), Julie Armstrong (Ensemble), Shailan Gohil (Ensemble) and Mark Hammersley (Ensemble).

Who are the creative team of Ballet Shoes?

  • Directed by Katy Rudd
  • Set designer: Frankie Bradshaw
  • Costume designer: Samuel Wyer
  • Choreographer: Ellen Kane
  • Composer: Asaf Zohar
  • Dance arrangements and orchestrations: Gavin Sutherland
  • Lighting designer: Paule Constable
  • Sound designer: Ian Dickinson for Autograph
  • Video designer: Ash J Woodward
  • Illusions: Chris Fisher
  • Casting directors: Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG
  • Classical coach: Cira Robinson
  • Dialect coach: Penny Dyer
  • Voice coach: Cathleen McCarron
  • Associate choreographer: Luke Cinque-White
  • Staff director: Jasmine Teo

Important Notes

Access Performances

  • Captioned: Friday 6 February – 7pm
  • Audio described: Saturday 13 December – 1:30pm, Thursday 29 January – 7pm
  • BSL Interpreted: Thursday 22 January – 7pm
  • Relaxed performance: Thursday 12 February – 7pm

Venue Information

National Theatre - Olivier Theatre , Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX

Nearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)

Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1

Directions

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Critics' reviews of Ballet Shoes

★★★★★ "I’d recommend this Christmas show to absolutely anyone" - The Times (2025)

★★★★ "As nimble and twinkling as any dainty dancer’s fleet, satin-slippered feet" - The Stage (2025)

★★★★ "Thrills again with its spry visual ingenuity and gung-ho warmth" - Evening Standard (2025)

★★★★ "Ballet Shoes is a perfect Christmas show" - TimeOut

★★★★★ "A playful, graceful adaptation – and a palpable hit" - The Telegraph (2024)

★★★★★ "A perfect joy" - The i Paper (2024)

★★★★★ "Bravo – this superlative adaptation never puts a foot wrong" - The Evening Standard (2024)

★★★★★ "If you see one show this Christmas season, make it the effusive, lovable Ballet Shoes" - The Independent (2024)

★★★★★ "Intelligent and alluring family entertainment with an edge" - Express (2024)

★★★★★ "A Christmas show with heart, soul and a flurry of movement to sweep you away" - What's On Stage (2024)

★★★★ "Thrills again with its spry visual ingenuity and gung-ho warmth" - Evening Standard (2025)

★★★★ "An elegant Christmas cracker of a show" - The Guardian (2024)

★★★★ "The National at its best" - The Times (2024)

★★★★ "A vivid stage version of Noel Streatfeild’s tale of self-discovery" - The Financial Times (2024)

Also see: Ballet Shoes Reviews Round-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Ballet Shoes is playing at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre in London
The running time of Ballet Shoes is 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for Ballet Shoes are: 7+
Yes, Ballet Shoes has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
No, sorry, Ballet Shoes has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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