Ballet Shoes tickets
About Ballet Shoes
Don’t miss the return of this stunning stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel, Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre. Book Ballet Shoes tickets on TodayTix.
The expert cast tells the story of three girls who are adopted by a palaeontologist who entrusts them with two guardians. In this tale of found family, the sisters seek to find their passions and their place in a world that often doesn’t appreciate ambitious women.
As the 4-star London Theatre review said of the show, “This new adaptation by Kendall Feaver hits the sweet spot, thankfully retaining the 1930s setting and celebrating what a visionary Streatfeild was with her focus on young women shaping their own destinies, the importance of technique and hard graft, and the gift of found families.”
For assisted performances and people with access requirements, please book directly through the National Theatre.
Run time
2hr 30min. Incl. 1 Interval
Venue
Categories
Age
Ages 7+.
Start date
17th November, 2025
End date
21st February, 2026
“A magical, heartwarming theatrical treat for everyone”
A Captivating Journey Back to Childhood
Audiences are utterly enchanted by this beautifully crafted adaptation of the beloved classic. The breathtaking set design and dynamic staging draw particular praise, with viewers describing the produ...
What It Feels Like
- Utterly enchanting
- Warm and joyful
- Beautifully nostalgic
You’ll Love This If…
- You adore stories that make you laugh and cry
- You appreciate stunning set design and choreography
- You cherish beloved childhood books brought to life
Nice comedy, great details, lovely story, nice cast.
Beautiful adaption of the classic book with excellent performances, some clever updates on the story and lovely set.
Fun show, especially for children. Also enjoyed the pre-show interactivity.
Stars on stage
Anoushka Lucas
Ballet Shoes cast and creative team
Written by: Noel Streatfeild
Adapted by: Kendall Feaver
Director: Katy Rudd
Venue
Olivier Theatre
Directions
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: Waterloo
Bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1, X68
Night bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N76, N171, N343
Car park: National Theatre, Upper Ground (1min)
Directions from tube: (10mins) Follow signs for exits to the South Bank. This should lead you to an underground pedestrian passage called ‘Sutton Walk’ that emerges at the South Bank. Turn right and walk along the river Thames until you see the National Theatre.
More information about Ballet Shoes
Ballet Shoes in London is led by director Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane).
Rudd told the Financial Times, “I hope people will be reminded of the transformative power of art: that it helps young people understand who they are, understand others, build empathy.”
Ballet Shoes is a play with an excellent creative team which includes set design by Frankie Bradshaw (Mad House), costume design by Samuel Wyer (The Ocean at the End of the Lane), choreography by Ellen Kane (Matilda the Musical), composer Asaf Zohar (Disruption), lighting design by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Paule Constable (The Ocean at the End of the Lane), sound design by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Ian Dickinson (Company), projections are by Ash J Woodward (The Witches), and the stage adaptation is written by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes).
Critics love the creative team's work. In fact, the 4-star The Guardian review said, “Samuel Wyer’s costumes dazzle, and Frankie Bradshaw’s set is no less than luminous, with GUM’s ancient exhibits in glass cases spiralling upwards, across the house’s storeys, while Ash J Woodward’s video projections and Paule Constable’s lighting create the almost magical effect of movement: dinosaurs lurch and sea waves swish across the stage.”
What to watch for
- The director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said in a statement, "After the success of The Witches last Christmas, I am thrilled the National Theatre will stage Noel Streatfeild's novel Ballet Shoes, with Kendall Feaver's adaptation injecting new energy and life into the beloved story. Combined with Katy Rudd's theatrical vision, developed with the National Theatre's exceptional New Work Department, I couldn't be more excited for audiences to experience this classic story as an ambitious new theatre event."
- The music is composed by Asaf Zohar. The big band and old-style music helps establish the scene for this show set in the 1930s.
- The Guardian's 4-star review said of the show, "Lessons around resilience in straitened times are woven in, not patronisingly, and remind both children and adults what is most important in life: to keep hold of your passions, and to have confidence in yourself."
- BBC has adapted Ballet Shoes for the screen twice, once in 1975 and once in 2007, starring Emma Watson.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ballet Shoes about?
Noel Streatfeild’s classic novel Ballet Shoes comes to the National Theatre stage in a brand new adaptation by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes). The timeless story tells of three adopted sisters who seek to find their place in the world during a time when ambitious women are not appreciated.
How do you get tickets for Ballet Shoes?
Check the top of this page for current availability on Ballet Shoes tickets on TodayTix.
Which theatre is Ballet Shoes at?
Ballet Shoes is at London's Olivier Theatre, which is located at National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX.
What is the age recommendation for Ballet Shoes?
Ages 7+.
What is the running time of Ballet Shoes?
Ballet Shoes runs for 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 Interval
Who wrote Ballet Shoes?
Kendall Feaver adapted Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel for the stage.
Who directed Ballet Shoes?
Katy Rudd directs the show.
Is Ballet Shoes appropriate for kids?
This play is great for families; it’s best for children ages seven and above, as there are some themes of adoption and death.
Is Ballet Shoes good?
Ballet Shoes is a beloved classic novel, and this brand new stage adaptation boasts a talented cast and creative team. The play has been a hit with critics and audiences alike.
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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