National Theatre’s Ballet Shoes to return for Winter 2025

The National Theatre has announced that its acclaimed adaptation of Ballet Shoes will return to the Olivier Theatre for the festive season in 2025.

Based on Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel, the production, adapted by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd, has been a hit with audiences and critics alike during its current run. The revival marks part of incoming Director and Co-CEO Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season.

Premiering in 2024, Ballet Shoes received widespread praise, with the Financial Times hailing it as a “playful, graceful adaptation” and the Evening Standard declaring it “never puts a foot wrong.”

Speaking about the revival, Rubasingham expressed her enthusiasm for bringing the production back to the National Theatre: “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.”

Set in a crumbling house filled with fossils and dinosaur bones, Ballet Shoes follows three adopted sisters—Pauline, Petrova, and Posy—who strive to find their own paths while navigating the challenges of an era that offered few opportunities for ambitious young women. Under the care of their guardian Sylvia, the trio, along with a cast of eccentric lodgers, must balance their dreams with the realities of family life.

The creative team behind the production includes set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, and composer Asaf Zohar. Lighting is designed by Paule Constable, with sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. The team also features video designer Ash J Woodward, illusions by Chris Fisher, and casting by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor.

The current production of Ballet Shoes stars Sonya Cullingford as Winifred, Jenny Galloway as Nana, Nadine Higgin as Theo Dane, Helena Lymbery as Doctor Jakes, Xolisweh Ana Richards as Ballet Dancer & Ensemble, Sid Sagar as Jayan Saravanan, Grace Saif as Pauline Fossil, Justin Salinger as GUM/Fidolia, Daisy Sequerra as Posy Fossil, Pearl Mackie as Sylvia, and Yanexi Enriquez as Petrova Fossil.

In the Ensemble are Stacy Abalogun, Eryck Brahmania, Cordelia Braithwaite, Michelle Cornelius, Courtney George, Georges Hann, Philip Labey, Sharol Mackenzie, Nuwan Hugh Perera and Katie Singh; and On-stage swing is Katie Lee.

Ballet Shoes completes its current run this week on 22 February 2025. It will open at the Olivier Theatre in winter 2025, with casting and specific dates yet to be announced.

Book tickets to Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre London