The National Theatre today announces a collaboration with Coram, the UK’s first and longest continuing children’s charity who provide adoption services for families and children across the capital and beyond, to coincide with the National Theatre’s new production of Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfeild’s beloved story about three adopted sisters and their found family, adapted for the stage by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd.
The collaboration aims to raise awareness for adoption and celebrate adopted families. To mark Big Adoption Day on Wednesday 15 January 2025, the National Theatre and Coram will invite families and supporters to the matinee and evening performances of Ballet Shoes, to experience the magic and power of storytelling through theatre. Guests will be invited to attend a special panel discussion hosted by writer and broadcaster James O’Brien, who has spoken about his own experience of being adopted. Alongside the panel discussion guests will be offered bespoke family tours of the National Theatre, giving a glimpse behind the scenes of Ballet Shoes to discover the backstage magic and highly skilled team that bring the show to life.
During the run of Ballet Shoes, the National Theatre will also work with Coram to offer discounted tickets to members of The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) who will reach out to adoptive families across the country to see the show.
Speaking about the National Theatre’s collaboration with Coram, Kate Varah, Executive Director of the National Theatre said:
“Our festive production of Ballet Shoes celebrates and raises awareness of adopted families, whose story is at the heart of Noel Streatfeild’s cherished story, brilliantly reimagined by Kendall Feaver. We’re delighted in this moment to be collaborating with Coram to celebrate Big Adoption Day and offer discounted tickets through the run. The National Theatre is committed to opening up the world of the play to families nationwide and give them the opportunity to see their own experiences reflected through the magic of live theatre.”
Dr Carol Homden CBE, CEO of Coram said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with the National Theatre around this exciting new production, giving adopted children and their families a special opportunity to experience the magic of the show and shining a spotlight on adoption at a time when we need more loving families to come forward for the growing numbers of children waiting. We hope anyone considering adoption will be inspired to take their first step and get in touch at coramadoption.org.uk.”
Ballet Shoes is set in a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, where 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?
Ballet Shoeswill play in the Olivier theatre until 22 February 2025, with the press performance on 5 December 2024. Recommended for ages 7+.
Tickets are on sale now, nationaltheatre.org.uk.
