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Ballet Shoes

Olivier Theatre, National, London

The ★★★★★5 stars ‘playful, graceful adaptation’ (Telegraph) returns

17 November 2025 — 21 February 2026

Suitable for 7-107 years

Best Bits

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. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?

Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane) returns to the National Theatre to direct this ***** ‘perfect joy’ (The i), as Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel is brought back to the Olivier Stage in this new version by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes)

★★★★★ "A playful, graceful adaptation - and a palpable hit" The Times 

★★★★★ "This superlative adaptation never puts a foot wrong" The Evening Standard 

★★★★★ "If you see one show this Christmas season, make it the effusive, lovable Ballet Shoes" Independent

LittleBird Top Tip

Nominated for the Olivier Awards 2025: Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play, Best Set Design and Outstanding Musical Contribution!

Dates and Prices 17th November 2025 - 21st February 2026
Need to Know

Please note: This production contains themes of adoption and death. Suitable for ages 7 – 107

Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes including one 20 minute interval

Ballet Shoes cast and creative team

Written by: Noel Streatfeild

Adapted by: Kendall Feaver

Director: Katy Rudd

For assisted performances, please book directly through the National Theatre.

T's and C's

Plan your Visit

What makes Olivier Theatre, National family friendly

Air conditioned
Air conditioned
Bar
Bar
Disabled toilets
Disabled toilets
Infrared hearing loop
Infrared hearing loop
Toilets
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible

Address and Contact Info

Olivier Theatre, National
South Bank
London
SE1 9PX

Nearest Station: Waterloo
from £42 per person
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