Ballet Shoes ★★★★ National Theatre | Nov 23, 2024 - Feb 22, 2025


Noel Streatfeild's novel has been wildly popular since its first publication in 1936. The story of three orphan girls who end up being raised in the home of an eccentric palaeontologist, Great Uncle Matthew, has enchanted generations of young readers. GUM, as he is known, who is mostly absent, leaves the real care of the children to his ward and great niece, Sylvia, plus a housekeeper and a quirky set of lodgers. In this updated, occasionally ahistorical, theatrical version from Kendall Feaver, the National Theatre simply pulls out all the stops. With wonderfully inventive sets and the imaginative creation of sailing ships and flying fairies, Streatfeild's tale becomes an experience that should enthral any young audience members lucky enough to see it. The story has a particularly contemporary message with an almost exclusively female household forming a family of choice rather than blood. The family members also recognise and develop the very different ambitions of the young women who are growing up together. While two girls, Pauline and Posy, aspire to the stage, one as an actress and the other as a ballerina, the third sibling, Petrova, is fascinated by machinery and the idea of flight. All three serve as powerful role models for strong, independent women who also recognise their sibling interdependence and the importance of the family's support. The title of the piece, Ballet Shoes, might suggest that it is Posy Fossil who is the central character, but the stories of all three girls and their guardian get almost equal air time which can make the show feel a little unfocused. Despite Director Katy Rudd's clever condensing of the narrative, the length of this stage version could also be a little overwhelming for younger viewers. We wouldn't have wanted to lose the wonderful dance sequences that beautifully explain Posy's obsession, but some editing is probably in order. Focusing and pruning could create a less diffuse narrative and lead to fewer fidgety youngsters in the audience. It seems unfair to single out any one performer in this outstanding ensemble. As the three orphans, Yanexi Enriquez, Grace Saif and Daisy Sequerra, all put in strong performances and the rest of the cast simply shine. This is a lovely Christmas entertainment which should leave children simply starry-eyed.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo Manuel Harlan

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