• Review For Us
    • In London or across the UK
    • at Edinburgh Fringe
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Edinburgh Fringe 2018

Edinburgh Review: The Red Shoes at Pleasance Courtyard

by Greg Stewart
August 10, 2018
Reading Time: 2 mins read
The Red Shoes Edinburgh Fringe

The Red Shoes Edinburgh Fringe

Four Star Review from Theatre WeeklyThis Young Pleasance version of The Red Shoes is a reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen tale, set in interwar Berlin.  It follows young Lotta, who inherits a pair of red shoes from her mother, through from the orphanage to the dance halls and on to the silver screen, in a typical rags to riches tale.  The time period allows for Lotta’s heritage to be questioned but the hour-long production means everything happens at fairly rapid pace.

The whole production feels alluring and hedonistic, and just a touch seedy.  It is more reminiscent of Alice Unhinged, their production from two years ago, showing a darker and more grown up side to the company.

The production has apparently been pulled together in ten days, making it all the more remarkable that such a slick performance has been achieved.  But then Young Pleasance has a reputation for delivering excellence in their productions.

       

The original score feels entirely in keeping with the setting and is very enjoyable to listen to.  The staging also comes together nicely, looking far more polished than the traditional Edinburgh Fringe production.  It’s a very energetic piece with plenty of big dance numbers, including a stonkingly good Charleston, which perks up the mid-way point.

As always, the large ensemble cast are flawless in their delivery.  Special mention should go to the three Lotta’s; Eliana Franks, Katie Walton and Eva Burton who each find a particular nuance of Lotta at each stage of her life.  Kishore Walker is particularly compelling as Jacob, and Hannah Margerison and Kieton Saunders-Browne make for excellent MC’s.

You mightalso like

The Red Shoes

Matthew Bourne’s production of THE RED SHOES to return to Sadler’s Wells

Nikki Cheung (Karen) & Kody Mortimer (Prince) Credit Manuel Harlan

First Look: RSC’s The Red Shoes

Once again Young Pleasance has demonstrated their ability to create Edinburgh Fringe productions of a very high standard. The Red Shoes provides audiences with a darker side of the company, but it’s absolutely bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart

Greg is an award-winning writer with a huge passion for theatre. He has appeared on stage, as well as having directed several plays in his native Scotland. Greg is the founder and editor of Theatre Weekly

Related Articles

The Red Shoes
News

Matthew Bourne’s production of THE RED SHOES to return to Sadler’s Wells

Nikki Cheung (Karen) & Kody Mortimer (Prince) Credit Manuel Harlan
First Look

First Look: RSC’s The Red Shoes

Alice Diamond and the Forty Elephants
Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Edinburgh Preview: Alice Diamond and the Forty Elephants at Pleasance Dome (King Dome)

Showgirls and Spies courtesy of Young Pleasance
Edinburgh Fringe 2023

Edinburgh Review: Showgirls and Spies at Pleasance Dome

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Sam Buttery Mr Beaver with The Lion the Witch The Wardrobe on tour Comapany c Brinkhoff Moegenburg

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Returns to London for Summer Season at Sadler’s Wells

Rough Magic Image supplied by publicist

Rough Magic Cast Announced for 2025 Return to Shakespeare’s Globe

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly