Full casting for the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book Ballet Shoes by Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes), at the National Theatre from 23 November 2024 has been announced. This festive family show will be directed by Katy Rudd, who returns to the National Theatre following her acclaimed production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Announced are Stacy Abalogun (Ensemble), Yanexi Enriquez (Petrova Fossil), Philip Labey (Ensemble), Katie Lee (On Stage Swing), Sharol Mackenzie (Ensemble), Pearl Mackie (Sylvia), Nuwan Hugh Perera (Ensemble), and Katie Singh (Ensemble). They will join previously announced cast including Eryck Brahmania (Ensemble), Cordelia Braithwaite (Ensemble), Michelle Cornelius (Ensemble), Sonya Cullingford (Winifred), Jenny Galloway (Nana), Courtney George (Ensemble), Georges Hann (Ensemble), Nadine Higgin (Theo Dane), Helena Lymbery (Doctor Jakes), Xolisweh Ana Richards (Ballet Dancer + Ensemble), Sid Sagar (Jayan Saravanan), Grace Saif (Pauline Fossil), Justin Salinger (GUM/Fidolia) and Daisy Sequerra (Posy Fossil).
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?
Directed by Katy Rudd with 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, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, dialect coach Penny Dyer, voice coaches Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, associate choreographer Jonathan Goddard and staff director Aaliyah Mckay.
Ballet Shoes will play in the Olivier theatre from 23 November 2024 to 22 February 2025, with the press performance on 5 December 2024. Recommended for ages 7+.
Assisted performances of Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre:
Captioned Performances: Thursday 19 December 2024 – 7pm, Saturday 11 January 2025 – 1.30pm, Wednesday 5 February 2025 – 1pm, Wednesday 19 February 2025 – 1.30pm.
BSL Interpreted: Wednesday 5 February 2025 – 1pm, Thursday 6 February 2025 – 7pm
Audio described (with touch tours taking place 90 minutes before the show): Saturday 21 December 2024 – 1.30pm, Thursday 30 January 2025 – 7pm, Wednesday 5 February 2025 – 1pm.
Relaxed performance: Wednesday 15 January 2025 – 7pm
