Production images have been released for the RSC’s production of Hans Christian Andersen’s deliciously dark fairytale, The Red Shoes in a new version by Nancy Harris. The show runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until 19 January 2025 with a press night on Thursday 14 November.
The Red Shoes is the story of a girl who is expected to be seen and not heard. Dazzled by a beautiful pair of shoes she gets from a mysterious shoemaker, she flees her gloomy life only to find her feet taking her to places she never expected.
This captivating production blends illusion, dance and moments of comedy, into a magical story and cautionary tale of pride, vanity and the universal desire for freedom.
Direction and movement for The Red Shoes is by Kimberley Rampersad, the Associate Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival (Canada), who said:
“I am thrilled to be making my UK debut with this production of The Red Shoes at the RSC, in which movement and dance will be an integral part. Nancy Harris’s re-telling invites those of us with past relationships to the story to meet it anew, and welcomes children to meet it for the first time through dance, music and magic.”
Playwright Nancy Harris added:
“The Red Shoes is one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most dark and delicious fairytales. I was excited at the prospect of reimagining this story for a contemporary audience – placing dance and music by Marc Teitler at its centre – without whitewashing the darker elements found in the original fairytale. It’s truly thrilling to be working with Canadian director/choreographer Kimberley Rampersad on this ambitious new production of one of our most intriguing fairytales, for RSC audiences this Christmas.”
The full cast comprises: Julie Armstrong (Ensemble), Leslie Garcia Bowman (Onstage Swing), Nikki Cheung (Karen), Momar Diagne (Ensemble), James Doherty (Bob), Joseph Edwards (Clive), Caití Ellen (Ensemble), Anya Ferdinand (Ensemble), Michael Lin (Ensemble), Mia Musakambeva (Onstage Swing), Kody Mortimer (Prince), Dianne Pilkington (Mariella), Sakuntala Ramanee (Mags), Ben Redfern (Ensemble), Sebastien Torkia (Sylvestor/Priest) and Alexandra Waite-Roberts (Ensemble).
Joining Nancy and Kimberley on the creative team are: Colin Richmond (Set and Costume Designer), Ryan Day (Lighting Designer), Marc Teitler (Composer), Gregory Clarke (Sound Designer), Paul Kieve (Illusionist) and Charlotte Sutton CDG (Casting Director).
Age Guidance 7+ years. Parental discretion recommended for under 12s.
