No longer booking
  • Performance dates Booking to 19 January 2025
  • Age guidelines 7+ Parental discretion recommended for under 12s

Get tickets to The Red Shoes – A Thrilling New Adaptation from the RSC

Discover The Red Shoes, a captivating new take on Hans Christian Andersen’s darkly delicious fairytale. Reimagined by acclaimed playwright Nancy Harris, this contemporary adaptation follows the story of Karen, a girl yearning to escape her stifling life. Enchanted by a dazzling pair of shoes from a mysterious shoemaker, Karen embarks on a journey of wonder and peril, as her newfound freedom takes her places she never imagined.

Starring Nikki Cheung (Disney’s The Lion King) as Karen, alongside West End stars Dianne Pilkington (The Wizard of Oz, Wicked), James Doherty (London Road, House of the Dragon), and Sebastien Torkia (Matilda The Musical, A Christmas Carol), this production masterfully blends illusion, dance, and a touch of humour to bring this timeless cautionary tale to life.

Don’t miss The Red Shoes at the RSC’s Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, running until 19 January 2025. Book your tickets now to experience a magical story of pride, vanity, and the universal desire for freedom.

When an orphaned young woman is taken in by some local do-gooders, she is expected to be seen and not heard. Dazzled by a pair of beautiful shoes, she sees the chance to do and be so much more, but soon her feet betray her, taking her to places she never expected to go.

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Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of The Red Shoes?

The cast features Nikki Cheung (Karen), James Doherty (Bob), Joseph Edwards (Clive), Dianne Pilkington (Mariella), Sakuntala Ramanee (Mags), Sebastien Torkia (Sylvestor/Priest) and Kody Mortimer (Prince)

Completing the cast are: Julie Armstrong (Ensemble), Leslie Garcia Bowman (Onstage Swing), Momar Diagne (Ensemble), Caití Ellen (Ensemble), Anya Ferdinand (Ensemble), Michael Lin (Ensemble), Mia Musakambeva (Onstage Swing), Ben Redfern (Ensemble), and Alexandra Waite-Roberts (Ensemble).

Who are the creative team of The Red Shoes?

Playwright: Nancy Harris

Direction and choregraphy by Kimberley Rampersad, Set and Costume Design by Colin Richmond, Lighting design by Ryan Day, music by Marc Teitler, sound design by Gregory Clarke, illusions by Paul Kieve and casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG.

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Critics' reviews of The Red Shoes

★★★★ "Magical theatre" - What's On Stage

★★★★ The Stage

Frequently Asked Questions

The age recommendations for The Red Shoes are: 7+ Parental discretion recommended for under 12s
Yes, The Red Shoes has matinee performances on the following days:
No, sorry, The Red Shoes has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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