Duration
2 hrs
Closing Date
Until January 18, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 7+ yrs
Why Watch New Adventures, The Red Shoes?
- This double Olivier Award-winning ballet adapts the iconic 1948 film into a compelling dance drama of ambition, love, and sacrifice, making it a standout on its own terms.
- The successful UK and international runs of Bourne's hit, with top reviews from The Observer and The Stage, confirm its status as one of his finest works.
- Expect thematic richness—conflicts of obsession versus art, desire versus duty—fully realised through cinematic choreography, artful design, and a lush score by Bernard Herrmann and orchestrator Terry Davies.
- It's a limited festive-run at Sadler’s Wells, setting a heightened urgency to book with its 2025–26 season rarely repeating. Hear critics call it “a cinematic masterpiece reborn on stage” and “utterly enthralling.”
- Designed by Lez Brotherston (sets/costumes), lighting by Paule Constable, and sound by Paul Groothuis, this production offers immersive visual and auditory experience rarely matched in modern ballet
Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes transforms the historically revered Powell & Pressburger film and Andersen fairy tale into a two‑act ballet. Victoria Page, an ambitious ballerina, is drawn into a love triangle with impresario Boris Lermontov and composer Julian Craster. As her ambition pushes her art—and heart—to deadly extremes, the ballet explores obsession and sacrifice set to Herrmann’s orchestral score. The original premiere was in Plymouth in November 2016, followed by multiple seasons at Sadler’s Wells and world tours. The show won Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Choreographer in 2017. Critics praise its dramatic clarity, unconventional casting, and design. The Observer called it "a feast for the eye," while The Stage deemed it “built to last.”
Storyline
Set across London, Monte Carlo, and Villefranche‑sur‑Mer in the late 1940s and early 1950s, The Red Shoes follows Victoria Page after she is chosen to star in a ballet created by impresario Boris Lermontov. As Victoria and composer Julian Craster fall in love, she faces a powerful dilemma—art or affection. Upon returning to London, she struggles in minor performances until offered a return to Lermontov’s company for a final chance in the titular ballet. Torn and confused, Victoria attempts to escape her fate, but the consequences are irreversible. Will her passion triumph, or will the shoes demand everything?
Show timings
Show timings for New Adventures, The Red Shoes may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Cordelia Braithwaite as Victoria Page, Liam Mower as Ivan Boleslawsky, Glenn Graham as Grischa Ljubov, Dominic North as Julian Craster, Adam Cooper as Boris Lermontov
Director: Matthew Bourne
Producer: Robert Noble
Writer: Matthew Bourne (based on the film by Powell & Pressburger and the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale)
Choreographer: Matthew Bourne
Music/Composer: Bernard Herrmann (arranged by Terry Davies)
Set designer: Lez Brotherston
Stage designer: Lez Brotherston
Costume designer: Lez Brotherston
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 7 and above.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Sadler's Wells Theatre
The Sadler's Wells Theatre is a major London dance venue, seating around 1,545–1,568 across three levels—Stalls, First Circle and Second Circle—offering excellent sightlines and minimal obstructions. Founded in the late 17th century as a well for curing the sick and transformed into a modern performance space, the theatre has been home to groundbreaking dance works including Bourne’s own Swan Lake (1995) and The Red Shoes itself in previous seasons.
The Sadler's Wells Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TN, UK
Facilities & Accessibility
Available facilities: elevator, restrooms, bar, restaurant
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, wheelchair spaces available, assistive listening devices, guide dogs allowed, hearing assistance, step-free access, 'Access for All' registration
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your New Adventures, The Red Shoes voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of tickets starts from £15 and will vary depending on the type of seat you choose and the performance date.
The show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 7 and above, as it contains mature themes.
The show is playing at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.
It tells the story of a young ballerina, Victoria Page, torn between her love of dance and her desire for personal happiness. The red shoes compel her to dance, no matter the cost. The production is a blend of emotional storytelling, expressive choreography, and Bernard Herrmann’s haunting score.
The running time is 2 hours with 1 intermission of 20 minutes.
The main cast includes Ashley Shaw, Cordelia Braithwaite, Hannah Kremer, and Holly Shaw as Victoria Page; Andy Monaghan and Reece Causton as Boris Lermontov; and Dominic North and Leonardo McCorkindale as Julian Craster.
This is a dance production, not a traditional musical, so it doesn’t feature songs. The show uses a powerful orchestral score composed by Bernard Herrmann, re-orchestrated by Terry Davies.
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible with step-free access, accessible toilets, lifts, and companion seating options available.
Yes, Sadler’s Wells usually offers audio-described performances with optional touch tours. Check the official site for specific dates.
Only drinks purchased at the theatre bar are allowed inside the auditorium. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Accessible seats can be booked directly through Sadler’s Wells Theatre by phone or online, and assistance is available if needed.
There is no official dress code. Smart casual is recommended, but feel free to dress comfortably.
Limited street parking is available nearby, along with a few local pay-and-display options. Public transport is strongly recommended.
