The Red Shoes ballet - London 2025

Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier award-winning production The Red Shoes returns to the West End this festive season, delivering a captivating blend of storytelling and ballet at Sadler’s Wells.

This strictly limited six-week run of a timeless fairytale promises to enchant theatre enthusiasts and ignite the imaginations of aspiring dancers, with its poignant tale of obsession, possession, and one young woman’s dream of becoming the greatest dancer in the world.

What is the plot of The Red Shoes?

The enchanting ballet is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless fairytale and the Academy Award-winning film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. It follows Victoria Page as she grapples with the conflict between love and ambition, entangled in a tense triangle with two possessive men.

As their desires and agendas press upon her, Victoria discovers that passion, obsession and possession are dangerously intertwined – forcing her to choose between the pursuit of her art and the call of her heart.

Immerse yourself in this intoxicating drama and see whether Victoria secures her fairytale ending, or if the red shoes lead her down a path of tragedy.

Is The Red Shoes a ballet?

The Red Shoes is a ballet that draws upon different forms of art. Unlike traditional ballets such as Swan Lake or The Nutcracker, The Red Shoes is a modern take on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale that combines contemporary dance with classical ballet to tell its powerful tale.

Why you should see The Red Shoes at Sadlers Wells

A must-see production this festive season, The Red Shoes combines dazzling costumes, spellbinding choreography and a sumptuous Golden Age score to delight audiences across generations.

Set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring the mesmerising music of iconic Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, this unforgettable ballet will dazzle your senses and pull on your heartstrings.

A deeply personal love letter to a life in theatre and dance from acclaimed choreographer Matthew Bourne, best known for his innovative works including Oliver!, Cinderella, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, this spectacular adaptation of the classic film is the perfect theatrical escape this Christmas.

Who is in the cast of The Red Shoes?

Victoria Page is played by a talented ensemble of performers, including Ashley Shaw, Cordelia Braithwaite, Hannah Kremer, and Holly Shaw. The role of Boris Lermontov is shared by Andy Monaghan and Reece Causton, while Dominic North and Leonardo McCorkindale take on the part of Julian Kraster.

Irina Boronskaya is portrayed by Michela Meazza, Cordelia Braithwaite and Katrina Lyndon, while Liam Mower, Will Bozier and Jackson Fisch take to the stage as Ivan Boleslawsky and Glenn Graham, Liam Mower and Reece Causton as Grischa Ljubov.

How to book tickets for The Red Shoes

You can book tickets for The Red Shoes using the booking button on this page. When booking, you can select your desired seats and view ticket prices for this limited-run ballet.

What time are the performances?

The evening performance of The Red Shoes usually takes place from Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm.

The Red Shoes matinees usually take place on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30pm.

What is the running time of The Red Shoes?

The running time for The Red Shoes is two hours, including a 20-minute interval.

Sadler’s Wells venue details

The Red Shoes is playing at Sadler’s Wells in Islington.

How to get there:

• Tube – The nearest Tube stations are Angel (Northern line) and Farringdon (Elizabeth, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines).
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 19, 38, 341, N19, N38 and N41.
• Cycling – Hire a bike and head to Sadler’s Wells. Hardwick Street, Clerkenwell is the nearest Santander Cycles bike dock.

What is the age recommendation for this show?

The show is suitable for children aged seven years and above. Parental guidance is advised, as the production explores mature themes including death and suicide.

What other shows can I see in London?

Immerse yourself in the magical universe of Tchaikovsky with the enchanting ballet of The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum this festive season. Or enjoy ultimate Christmas cheer with ELF The Musical at the Dominion Theatre.