The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of Ballet Shoes will embark on a major UK tour from August 2027, bringing Noel Streatfeild’s beloved story to audiences across the country through to 2028.
Adapted by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd, the production first captivated audiences during sold-out runs in the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre in 2024 and 2025.
The tour will see Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke make his debut in a National Theatre production, taking on the roles of Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia at selected performances.
The tour opens at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 19 to 21 August 2027 before transferring to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, where it runs from 25 August to 11 September and holds its press night on 31 August 2027.
Further tour stops include Norwich Theatre Royal, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Birmingham Hippodrome, Edinburgh Playhouse, Kings Theatre Glasgow, Chichester Festival Theatre, Bristol Hippodrome, Sunderland Empire Theatre, Lowry Salford, New Theatre Oxford, Liverpool Empire Theatre and Milton Keynes Theatre, before concluding its currently announced dates at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre in February 2028.
Set in a house filled with dinosaur bones and fossils, Ballet Shoes follows adopted sisters Pauline, Petrova and Posy as they discover their passions, pursue their dreams and navigate growing up in a world not always welcoming to ambitious young women.
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.”
Producer Chris Harper said: “I am overjoyed to be working with the National Theatre again, and especially thrilled to work with Katy Rudd, whose acclaimed production of Ballet Shoes is an absolute delight. Audiences are in for a huge treat with Anton Du Beke, who will be joining us as Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia. I can’t wait to share this production with audiences across the UK for the adventure of a lifetime.”
Director Katy Rudd 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.”
She continued: “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.”
Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre Kate Varah said: “We are thrilled to be touring the UK next year with our hit stage adaptation of Ballet Shoes in a co-production with Chris Harper Productions, following two hugely successful runs at the National Theatre in 2024 and 2025.”
The creative team includes set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, composer Asaf Zohar, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinson, video designer Ash J Woodward, illusionist Chris Fisher and casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG.
The production will also work with award-winning theatre company Frozen Light at selected venues to provide multi-sensory experiences for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities, while access performances and family ticket rates will be available throughout the tour.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
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