Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, adapted for the stage by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd will begin a major tour of the UK in August 2027 touring through to 2028.  Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke will make his debut in a National Theatre production playing Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia.

Ballet Shoes opens at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (19-21 August 2027), then heads to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on 25 August 2027, where it will have its press night on 31 August 2027.  It runs in London until 11 September 2027, then tours to Norwich Theatre Royal (14 – 18 September 2027), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (21 – 25 September 2027), Nottingham Theatre Royal (5 – 9 October 2027), Birmingham Hippodrome (12-16 October 2027), Edinburgh Playhouse (19-23 October 2027), Kings Theatre, Glasgow (26 – 30 October 2027), Chichester Festival Theatre (4-13 November 2027), Bristol Hippodrome (16 – 20 November 2027), Sunderland Empire Theatre (30 November – 4 December 2027), Lowry, Salford (8 December 2027 – 2 January 2028), New Theatre Oxford (5  – 8 January 2028), Liverpool Empire Theatre (11 – 15 January 2028), Milton Keynes Theatre (18 – 22 January 2028), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (22-26 February 2028).

Further dates and venues to be announced.

This five star reimagining of Noel Streatfeild‘s beloved novel breathes fresh life into the classic story, while staying true to its heart.   In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters –Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and discovering who they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their new guardians 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?

Actor Anton du Beke said:

‘I took my family to see Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre, and I completely fell in love with the show. It was such a beautiful, joyful production, and when I was given the opportunity to be part of it, I jumped at the chance. I couldn’t wait to step into that world and be a part of the magic. It gives me an exciting opportunity to test myself further as an actor – and dance and family are at the core, the two most important things to me.’

Director Katy Rudd, who recently directed the acclaimed production of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and will be directing Emma Thompson’s brand-new musical adaptation of Nanny McPhee in the West End added:

‘After two successful runs at the National Theatre, I am excited to share Ballet Shoes with an even bigger audience as it embarks on its first tour of the UK.  Ballet Shoes is a much-loved story written by Noel Streatfeild about three young, orphaned girls who, despite the odds, learn to pursue their individual passions, build their futures and do it for themselves. A revolutionary idea in the 1930s when the book first appeared and still very potent today.

I love this story because it shows us the transformational power of the arts to change lives. The arts help us to work out who we are, find empathy and community with others and build resilience to overcome the obstacles in our way.  These ideas are central to the children in this story – and – importantly, to young people up and down our country today.  I can’t wait for people to experience Kendall Feaver’s gorgeous adaptation of Ballet Shoes; it has something for everyone. It is an uplifting and magical family show. It will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with the theatre.”

Director Katy Rudd is joined on the creative team by set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, composer Asaf Zohar, dance arrangements and orchestrations Gavin Sutherland, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph, video designer Ash J Woodward, illusions Chris Fisher and the casting director is Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG.

Anton Du Beke will be performing the role of Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia during specific performances at select venues. Further casting to be announced. For further info visit BalletShoesOnStage.com.

The production will be working with Frozen Light, an award-winning theatre company dedicated to creating multi-sensory theatre for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities at select venues on the tour.  Access performances and family ticket rates will be available across the tour.

The National Theatre production of Ballet Shoes played to sold-out houses in the Olivier theatre in London in 2024 and 2025. Chris Harper Productions and the National Theatre present the National Theatre production of Ballet Shoes on tour.