New Adventures: The Red Shoes

About New Adventures: The Red Shoes

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's enduring fairy tale and the iconic 1948 Powell and Pressburger film, New Adventures: The Red Shoes is one of the most celebrated works in contemporary British dance. Choreographed by the multi-award-winning Matthew Bourne, the production follows Victoria Page, a young dancer torn between her all-consuming love of dance and her love for a man, as the scarlet shoes carry her towards an inescapable, devastating fate. It is a story about obsession, artistry, and the price of following your passion to its very limit.

Matthew Bourne and his company New Adventures have long been at the forefront of reimagining classical narratives for modern audiences. This production is no exception, drawing on Andersen's original darkness while layering in the glamour and tragedy of the golden age of cinema to create something that feels at once timeless and strikingly immediate.

What Makes This Production Stand Out

New Adventures productions are renowned for their ability to combine the technical rigour of classical dance with the emotional immediacy of physical storytelling, and The Red Shoes is perhaps the finest expression of that approach. Bourne's choreography moves seamlessly between sweeping ensemble sequences and achingly intimate duets, always in service of the narrative rather than spectacle for its own sake.

The design elements are extraordinary. Lez Brotherston's opulent costumes and sets conjure a world of backstage glamour and cinematic fantasy, while Paule Constable's lighting sculpts every scene with precision and atmosphere. The score, arranged by Terry Davies and drawing on the music of composer Bernard Herrmann, provides an emotionally rich foundation that lifts the dance into something genuinely cinematic. Running at approximately two hours, the production is paced with confidence, leaving audiences both exhilarated and deeply moved.

Who Should See The Red Shoes

This is a production that rewards audiences of many different backgrounds. For lovers of dance, it is a masterclass in contemporary choreography and ensemble performance. For those who come primarily from a theatre background, the storytelling is vivid and accessible, requiring no prior knowledge of ballet or dance technique to follow and feel deeply. The cast rotates regularly, meaning that while the quality and spirit of the production remain constant, each visit can feel like a fresh encounter with the material.

The show is generally recommended for audiences aged ten and above, though younger children who have a genuine enthusiasm for dance and theatrical performance may find it equally captivating. There is no spoken dialogue; the entire narrative is conveyed through movement, music, and design, making it a particularly rewarding experience for those curious about the expressive possibilities of dance-theatre.

New Adventures: The Red Shoes is also an excellent choice for those looking for a special occasion gift or an introduction to contemporary dance that does not feel intimidating or inaccessible.

Venue and Getting There

New Adventures: The Red Shoes is a touring production that has been performed at a number of prestigious London venues, most notably Sadler's Wells Theatre in Islington, one of the capital's leading dedicated dance venues. Sadler's Wells sits in a well-connected part of north-central London, close to Angel on the Northern line, making it straightforward to reach from most areas of the city. Always check the specific venue details when booking, as touring productions can move between theatres across different runs.

Booking Tickets and Seat Advice

Tickets for New Adventures productions are consistently in high demand, and The Red Shoes in particular draws audiences from across the UK and internationally. It is worth checking availability as early as possible, especially if you are hoping to secure seats in the stalls or dress circle, where sightlines for dance productions tend to be at their best. The stage picture is integral to the storytelling, so a clear, central view will significantly enhance the experience.

You can see current availability and book your seats through the BritishTheatre.com shows page, where options are listed as they become available. Whether you are planning well in advance or looking for a near-term visit, checking the listings regularly is the best way to secure the seats you want for this unmissable production.