The Red Shoes
From costumes, to music, lighting, comedy, quality of dancing - it really was the perfect show.
As a dancer myself and lover of theatre, I didn’t think any show would top Matthew Bournes ‘Swan Lake’. But, he’s done it, the award winning choreographer has simply out done himself with ‘The Red Shoes’.
Based on the cult movie with the same name by Michael Powell, the ballet explores the story of a young woman who struggles to navigate two battling loves which will eventually destroy her. Victoria Page, a rising star, becomes a part of Boris Lermontov’s touring ballet group, but struggles when her love for dance is overshadowed for her desire for struggling composer Julian Craster. As Powell himself said “The Red Shoes told us to go and die for art”.
The beginning of the show had a ‘Chorus Line’ feel to it, dancers in their rehearsal clothes doing barre exercises many dancers like myself have spent hours perfecting. Scenes like these made me feel like I was in the creative mind of Bourne himself, seeing the visions of ‘The Red Shoes’ coming to life.
Norwich Theatre Royals stage is blessed with the production from April 7th to 11th 2026, with an incredibly talented cast who received a well deserved standing ovation.
Before a show there is always an indescribable buzz of excitement and anticipation. Around me, some people were saying they were so in love with the movie that they wanted to see it on stage. Others were going in blind, but I think that’s what makes Bourne so class. His ability to tell a story even to those who have no idea what they are walking into is incredible.
In terms of dancing, ‘The Red Shoes’ could not be flawed. The cast of 27 were unbelievable, and not one seemed to out dance the rest. From complex lifts to leaps and the use of props, the quality of dancing was unmatched. I also found it refreshing that, even though set in the 1940’s, two men were dancing side by side in hold.
Walking to the bar at the interval, I overheard someone saying “I think the male dancers are insane, and the comedic aspects make it really engaging “. I found it unusual than there were ironic and funny moments dropped in almost every other scene, juxtaposing the darker tone of the story.
Bournes choreography was outstanding, as the infamous red shoes slowly consumed Victoria. Once put on, they do not allow the wearer to stop dancing, reflecting the internal turmoil of her mind as she yearns for Julian. While Boris believes one cannot be a great artist if distracted by human love, the tragedy unfolds as Victoria cannot balance both. She was often alone on stage, but it was perfectly clear of the mental battles she was facing. Boris or Julian? Dance or true love?
At some shows I have seen, there has been almost too much to look at and complex staging can be overwhelming. However, Bournes use of staging was the cleverest I have ever seen. He used a curtain which opened and closed throughout to show how two different characters were navigating the same situation. Genius. From costumes, to music, lighting, comedy, quality of dancing - it really was the perfect show.
