Ballet Shoes Tickets

Ballet Shoes in London

Following two critically acclaimed runs at the National Theatre, this charming adaptation of Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfeild's beloved novel, heads to Sadler’s Wells, close to Angel and Clerkenwell, as part of a UK tour. In a crumbling house filled with fossils and dreams, three adopted sisters embark on a journey of self-discovery. This moving play delights audiences of all ages, and now it returns to London for a strictly limited run, so don’t miss this “spirited, spiky and spectacular” (The Guardian) show - book today!

About Ballet Shoes

Set in 1930s London, Ballet Shoes captures the struggles and triumphs of Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil as they defy expectations to pursue their dreams. Whether it's the thrill of acting, the allure of ballet, or the challenge of engineering, each sister's passion weaves a tale of courage and determination that will inspire audiences young and old.

At the heart of Ballet Shoes is the Fossil family, an unconventional household overflowing with creativity, fossils, and eccentric lodgers. Guided by their guardian Sylvia and the formidable Nana, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy strive to carve out their places in the world. Pauline is drawn to the glamour of the stage, Petrova dreams of planes and engines, and Posy's calling is to dance.

But as financial struggles loom and societal expectations threaten to hold them back, the sisters must lean on each other and their chosen family to find their way. Balancing ambition with responsibility, their story is both uplifting and deeply relatable - a celebration of individuality, perseverance, and the ties that bind us. This adaptation honours the novel's original 1930s setting, immersing audiences in the challenges and opportunities of the era while remaining timeless in its themes, exploring ambition, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family.

The Ballet Shoes Creative Team

Ballet Shoes is directed by Stage Debut Award winner Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane) and adapted by Bruntwood Prize-winning playwright Kendall Feaver (The Almighty Sometimes).

Set design is by Frankie Bradshaw (recently nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Costume Design on Blues for an Alabama Sky), with costume design by Samuel Wyer (The Grinning Man) and choreography by Ellen Kane (Matilda the Musical). The music for Ballet Shoes is composed by Asaf Zohar (God of Carnage) and arranged by Gavin Sutherland, current Principal Guest Conductor of the English National Ballet.

Ballet Shoes Cast

• Great Uncle Matthew – Anton Du Beke

Strictly Come Dancing’s judge and ex-professional dancer, Anton Du Beke will star in the production as Great Uncle Matthew. He has written a series of best-selling historical novels and memoirs during his career, as well as past TV acting credits including Doctors and Down to Earth.

The History of Ballet Shoes

First published in 1936, Ballet Shoes is a novel which became an instant classic, celebrated for its progressive depiction of young women defying societal norms. Noel Streatfeild's story was ground-breaking in its portrayal of girls pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields like aviation, alongside the artistic glamour of acting and ballet. Streatfield’s sister, Ruth Gervis, illustrated the novel.

It has been adapted twice for the screen, both by the BBC: a 1975 adaptation and an adaptation in 2007 which starred Emma Watson (Harry Potter, The Perks of Being a Wallflower). You may also remember Ballet Shoes from the film You've Got Mail as Kathleen’s (played by Meg Ryan) favourite book!

The stage adaptation made its debut at the National Theatre in 2024, where it received huge acclaim from critics and audiences. The production, which was nominated for several awards, including an Olivier, returned to the same venue in 2025. Ballet Shoes was also filmed for National Theatre at Home.

Book Ballet Shoes Tickets at Sadler’s Wells Today

Celebrate the magic of ambition and sisterhood with Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre. This “rich, heartfelt and exquisitely crafted” (BroadwayWorld) production is perfect for families, theatre lovers, and fans of the original book. Only returning to London live for a limited time as part of a UK tour, don't miss the chance to experience the Fossil sisters as they dream, struggle, and soar. Book your tickets today!