If there’s one thing the National Theatre never fails to do, it’s remind you why live theatre is great joy – and the 2025 revival of Ballet Shoes does exactly that. Noel Streatfeild’s classic tale of three spirited sisters – Pauline, Petrova, and Posy – learning who they are and what they want to be, has been reimagined with sprightly inventiveness, heart, and a generous dose of whimsy.
The Olivier Theatre is instantly charmed, starting even before the first note, with a cheeky pre-show moment where supernumeraries in tutus coax the audience into doing a plié. Director Katy Rudd fills the space with warmth and playfulness, and the set – from crumbling boarding house rooms to inventive optical illusions for travel and flight – is a masterclass in making simple materials feel magical. Frankie Bradshaw’s design and Ellen Kane’s choreography remain utterly delightful, proving again that clever theatre doesn’t need glitter, just imagination.
The real stars, however, are the young leads: Nina Cassells, Sienna Arif-Knights (making her Olivier debut), and Scarlett Monahan, who bring Pauline, Petrova, and Posy to life with charm, energy, and occasional exasperation. Their ensemble moments sparkle, and their solo showcases are a joy to behold – especially Arif-Knights flying exuberantly across the stage with acrobatic stunts and with beautifully crafted organza wings, a perfect metaphor for the transforming power of art.
Supporting cast members add depth and humour, from the exasperated directors to the wonderfully eccentric guardian figures Sylvia and Nana. Particularly moving are the quieter moments: Sylvia hiding in the bath, the twins confronting their emotions – tender, funny, and beautifully observed.
At two and a half hours (including one interval), Ballet Shoes is perfect family theatre: inventive, funny, and warm-hearted. This is the kind of show that makes you leave the theatre smiling, your imagination buzzing, and maybe even dusting off your own dancing shoes.
Ages: 7+
Where: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre
Until: 21 February 2026
Book here: BoxOffice.co.uk
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
