Ballet Shoes at National Theatre (Olivier) Review
Anu Ogunmefun (Ensemble), Nina Cassells (Pauline), Sienna Arif-Knights (Petrova) and Scarlett Monahan (Posy) in Ballet Shoes (2025) at the National Theatre. Photo by Alastair Muir
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Ballet Shoes has once again pirouetted onto the Lyttleton theatre stage for Christmas. The play is an adaptation of the beloved 1936 classic novel by Noel Streatfeild. Three foundling children found in exceptional circumstances by an eccentric Professor of Paleontology, who forges themselves into a chosen family and sets forth to achieve their dreams. After choosing their own surname, Fossil, as a nod to their home, each sibling embarks on a lively journey of self-discovery as they pursue their dream careers in acting, mechanics, and ballet dancing.
The cast is utterly phenomenal and has exceptional chemistry together. Justin Salinger shines in multiple roles, including Great Uncle Matthew (Gum), Madame Fidolia, Mr. French, Mr. Sholsky, and Madame Manolf. He adds many nuances to each role and is a fantastic glue to keep the production strong. Lesley Nicol is pure charm and wisdom as Nana, the housekeeper and font of common sense for the Fossil family. Anoushka Lucas is perfection as Sylvia (Garnie), who works tirelessly to take care of the girls despite only being twelve years older than them. Winifred (Gracie Hodson-Prior) is a passionate and confident foil to the Fossil sisters. The three lodgers Doctor Jakes (Pandora Colin), Jai Saran (Raj Bajaj), and Theo Dane (Nadine Higgin), add fantastic chemistry and support to the three girls. Petrova Fossil is powerfully portrayed by Sienna Arif-Knights in her gumption to care for her family. Pauline Fossil is portrayed as witty and incredibly assured by Nina Cassells. Posy Fossil is played by Scarlett Monahan with beautiful passion and heartfelt ambition towards her dreams. Director Katy Rudd has given each of the fossil siblings an equal chance to shine and create a truly joyful experience to watch.
Frankie Bradshaw’s set is full of fantastic details and vividly aids in bringing the story to life without overwhelming the audience. Samuel Wyer’s charming costumes enhance the nostalgic warmth of the piece, while Paule Constable’s lighting works beautifully with Ash J Woodward’s video design to create an immersive world. The soundtrack is exceptional, evoking the charm of adventure films and perfectly capturing the interwar musical style.
The themes of the book have been brought powerfully to the stage by Kendall Feaver. Whether the strength and love found in families, the bonds we choose to form, and the message that we can do anything we put our minds to, the show’s message was sincere and deeply profound. This adaptation has kept the exuberant wit and wonder of the novel, but also fills the stage with whimsy and fierce conviction in oneself and one’s family. Some elements of the plot are modernised, but in a way that empowers both boys and girls equally. The pacing has been tightened this year to one hour on each act, but this further polishes the story and makes it easier for young audiences to stay engaged.
This charming production is filled with magic, whimsy, and bursting full of joy. This is the kind of show that makes you revel in the joy of being alive and is the wonder of theatre in its purest form. I loved every moment of this show, and it is my show of the year! If you are looking for productions that leave you and your children feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to make a difference in the world, then this is the show for you.
Ballet Shoes plays on the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre until 21 February 2026.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
