The National Theatre’s latest production, Ballet Shoes, directed by Katy Rudd, brought Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel to life.
Through a unique partnership with the UK children’s charity Coram, the play reimagined the stories of adoptive families, offering a heart-warming and hopeful perspective.
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.
“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.”
Set against Streatfeild’s nostalgic novel, the story follows three adopted sisters—Pauline (Grace Saif), Petrova (Yanexi Enriquez), and Posy (Daisy Sequerra) Fossil, in 1930s London.
Each orphaned girl is taken by palaeontologist, Great Uncle Mathew (Justin Salinger) or GUM for short, and brought up by two women.
The set, designed to resemble the home of a scientist filled with fossils and Sylvia’s paintings, was a visual highlight.
In a crumbling London home filled with dinosaur fossils and eccentric lodgers, the girls learn to support one another while fighting to overcome societal expectations.
Their journey is overseen by their loving guardian Sylvia, who encourages their aspirations despite financial hardship.
Pauline discovers passion for acting, Petrova for cars and all things mechanical and Posy pursues her late mother’s drive for dance.
Through the lens of sisterhood and shared ambition, Ballet Shoes inspires audiences with its portrayal of victorious women challenging the constraints of their era.
The play’s empowering feminist perspective challenges young audiences to think about sisterhood in a world shaped by societal constraints.
This message was reinforced by the interactive elements, such as actors engaging with the audience and teaching ballet moves before the show.
This created a lively and inclusive experience.
The seamless transitions between memories, fantasies, and moments of personal introspection were beautifully blended with the haunting music, and theatrical elements.
This created a fluid, enchanting atmosphere that drew the audience into the heart of the story.
The transitions between scenes, particularly when the ensemble participated in tutus and ballet shoes capturing wild sea waves, snow storms and dinosaur lectures at GUM’s various adventures, was particularly impressive.
Pauline’s fiery determination, Petrova’s pragmatic resilience, and Posy’s passion are vividly portrayed, creating a compelling family dynamic.
Yet the standout was definitely Petrova, played by the talented Yanexi Enriquez, her performance felt most authentic and natural, capturing the essence of a child’s movements with passion and precision.
The moment she took flight on stage, embodying Petorva’s dream of flying, was especially magical, captivating the audience.
Additionally, the performance of Madame Fidolia (Justin Salinger), the Russian ballet teacher, was brilliant.
Her voice, accent, and posture brought authenticity to the role.
Her movements were fluid and expressive, effortlessly conveying the character’s memories and nostalgic emotions.
This performance added a rich, authentic layer to the production, enhancing its emotional impact and bringing an extra dimension to the story.
The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the play, with laughter, gasps and well-deserved applause.
Ballet Shoes is perfect for pre-teens and young girls, offering an empowering, relatable story centered around strong, ambitious female characters who inspire them to discover their passions and embrace their individuality.
Photo credits: Kasia Flisiuk
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