Last night, we stepped into the magical world of Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes at The Lowry, Manchester, and it was a performance to remember. From the moment the lights dimmed, the stage came alive with breathtaking dance, bold storytelling, and a cast full of star quality.
Before the show even began, reading the programme gave a real insight into Bourne’s creative genius. As a record-breaking nine-time Olivier Award winner and the only British director to have won both Best Choreographer and Best Director of a Musical, it is clear why his productions are so extraordinary. One quote that stayed with me came from the legendary Katharine Hepburn, shared by Bourne in the programme. When asked what ‘star quality’ was, she replied, “I don’t know, but I’ve got it.” Watching the dancers perform, it was impossible not to see that magic on stage, in every single moment.
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What Is Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes About?
Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes is a contemporary dance adaptation of the classic 1948 film directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, which was itself inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. Bourne’s version, which premiered in 2016, is renowned for his signature theatrical style, dramatic storytelling through dance, bold choreography, and inventive staging.
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The story follows Victoria Page, a young ballerina with dreams of the stage. She joins the prestigious ballet company of Boris Lermontov, a charismatic but controlling impresario. Torn between her love for Julian Craster, a young composer, and her devotion to ballet, Victoria navigates the pressures of ambition and passion. Lermontov, obsessed with his dancers’ dedication, famously declares, “If you love to dance, you must give up everything else.”
The narrative explores ambition, obsession, and the sacrifices artists make for their art. The iconic red shoes themselves symbolise Victoria’s passion and the destructive power of obsession. Once she wears them, she cannot stop dancing, even when it threatens her health and happiness.
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Our Review
Watching The Red Shoes last night was an unforgettable experience. The cast moved with such precision, passion, and energy that you were drawn into the story from the very first moment. Every dancer brought their character to life, making the stage feel alive with emotion and movement.
The theatre fell into total silence at times, the kind of quiet that shows everyone in the audience was completely absorbed. It was a rare and magical kind of performance.
One performance that stood out in particular was Ashley Shaw as the lead. She danced with elegance and confidence, capturing both the spirit of the original film and the heart of the story. Her presence on stage was magnetic, and it was impossible not to be inspired by her skill and dedication. Any young dancer would dream of performing with that level of artistry.
The music added another layer of magic, perfectly complementing the movement and mood of each scene. The staging and lighting were subtle but effective, letting the dancers shine while creating an immersive atmosphere that drew you deeper into the tale.
Why Families Will Love It
The Red Shoes is not just for adults. Kids can be completely mesmerised by the drama, the dazzling dance, and the storytelling without words. The bold, colourful costumes and expressive choreography make the story easy to follow, even for younger audiences. Children interested in dance or theatre will especially be inspired by the sheer talent and dedication of the cast.
It is a show that sparks imagination, demonstrates the power of following your dreams, and shows that passion and creativity can truly transport you. Families can enjoy it together.
Where Can I See The Red Shoes
The Red Shoes is showing at the Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester, until 28th November with tickets from £21.
And then showing at …….
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 27 Jan – Sat 31 Jan 2026
- Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 10 Feb – Sat 14 Feb 2026
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Tue 17 Feb – Sat 21 Feb 2026
- Liverpool Empire, Tue 24 Feb – Sat 28 Feb 2026
Disclaimer: I was gifted the tickets, but it is my decision whether to review. However, all opinions are my own.
