Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre is a critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved 1936 novel, currently performing in the Olivier Theatre through February 21, 2026. Adapted for the stage by Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd, the production tells the story of three adopted sisters—Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil—who vow to make history while attending a performing arts academy in interwar London. The play has been praised for its inventive staging, which utilizes a massive “house of fossils” set design, and its focus on female ambition, resilience, and the meaning of a “chosen family.”
The 2025–2026 National Theatre Revival
Following a sold-out debut season in 2024, Ballet Shoes returned to the National Theatre’s Olivier stage on November 17, 2025. This revival forms a centerpiece of Director Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season at the helm of the South Bank venue.
The production is scheduled to run until Saturday, February 21, 2026, maintaining its position as the premier “family slot” show for the winter season. Audiences can expect a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 20-minute interval, making it a perfect duration for theatergoers aged seven and up.
Casting the Fossil Sisters
The 2026 production features a talented new lead cast portraying the iconic sisters. Each performer brings a distinct energy to the characters that generations of readers have come to love.
Nina Cassells as Pauline Fossil: The eldest sister, whose journey from a shipwrecked baby to a rising stage star explores the pressures of fame and the necessity of humility.
Sienna Arif-Knights as Petrova Fossil: The middle child who dreams of engines and flight rather than tutus, providing the heart of the show’s message that women can choose any path.
Scarlett Monahan as Posy Fossil: The youngest sister, a precocious dance prodigy whose talent is matched only by her singular focus on ballet.
Supporting the sisters is Lesley Nicol (best known for Downton Abbey) as the steadfast Nana, and Anoushka Lucas as the sensitive and resilient Sylvia Brown.
Set Design and Visual Magic
The visual centerpiece of the production is the “House of 999 Cromwell Road,” designed by Frankie Bradshaw. The set is a vertical labyrinth of fossils, dinosaur bones, and curiosities collected by the eccentric Great Uncle Matthew (GUM).
Choreography and Musical Score
While the play emphasizes that it is “not just about ballet,” dance remains a core narrative element. Choreographer Ellen Kane has created a variety of routines that range from rigorous technical ballet classes to high-energy 1930s jazz numbers.
The musical score, composed by Asaf Zohar with orchestrations by Gavin Sutherland, captures the “Big Band” era perfectly. A standout moment includes the ensemble’s performance to Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing,” which often draws mid-show cheers from the Olivier audience.
The “Madame Fidolia” Performance
The character of Madame Fidolia, played with eccentric brilliance by Justin Salinger, provides some of the show’s most poignant moments. Salinger, who also plays GUM, uses a sequence involving mirrors and flashbacks to depict the fading memories of a former Russian prima ballerina.
Adaptation Changes from the Book
Kendall Feaver’s script makes several thoughtful updates to the 1936 source material to resonate with modern audiences. One notable change is the character of Dr. Jakes, whose relationship with her late partner is handled with more explicit tenderness, reflecting the legal and social barriers faced by LGBTQ+ women in the 1930s.
Additionally, the role of the chauffeur, Jai (played by Raj Bajaj), is expanded to give Petrova’s love for mechanics more practical grounding. These changes enhance the story’s themes of inclusivity and self-determination without losing the “gung-ho” spirit of Streatfeild’s original prose.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a performance at the National Theatre requires some planning, especially for the high-demand Olivier Theatre shows.
Location: The National Theatre is located on the South Bank, near Waterloo Station (SE1 9PX).
Ticket Prices: Tickets for Ballet Shoes start at £25, with premium seats reaching £110.
Ways to Save: UK residents aged 16–25 can access £10 (or under) tickets through the National Theatre’s youth programme.
Performance Times: Evening shows typically start at 7:00 PM (or 6:30 PM on Tuesdays), with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1:30 PM.
What to Expect: The production is highly interactive; the ensemble often enters the auditorium before the show to teach audience members basic ballet positions.
Tips for Families: Use the “touch tour” or “relaxed performance” dates if you have specific accessibility or sensory needs.
Seasonal and Special Performances
As the show reaches its final weeks in February 2026, the National Theatre has scheduled several assisted performances:
BSL Interpreted: Early February 2026 dates (check official schedule for exact weekday).
Audio Described: Saturday matinees often include touch tours starting 90 minutes before curtain.
Captioned Performances: Multiple mid-week dates throughout the February run.
FAQs
How long is Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre?
The production has a running time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 20-minute interval.
What is the age recommendation for Ballet Shoes?
The National Theatre recommends the show for ages 7 to 107, making it a perfect multi-generational family experience.
Where can I book tickets for Ballet Shoes?
Tickets should be booked directly via the National Theatre official website to avoid inflated secondary market prices.
Is Ballet Shoes a musical?
It is a play with music and dance. While there are significant dance sequences and a live-style score, it is not a traditional musical where characters break into song to advance the plot.
Who wrote the stage version of Ballet Shoes?
The play was adapted by Kendall Feaver, based on the original 1936 novel by Noel Streatfeild.
Is the National Theatre production of Ballet Shoes on tour?
As of February 2026, the production is exclusive to the Olivier Theatre in London, though it is available to stream internationally on the National Theatre at Home platform.
Can I see Ballet Shoes if I haven’t read the book?
Absolutely. The production is a standalone “exquisite Christmas cracker” of a show that requires no prior knowledge of the Fossil sisters’ story.
Who plays Nana in the 2026 cast?
The role of Nana is played by Lesley Nicol, famous for her role as Mrs. Patmore in Downton Abbey.
What is the “16-25 tickets” scheme?
It is a programme allowing young people to buy tickets for any show at the National Theatre for £10 or less, provided they book through the dedicated “magic links” on the NT website.
Does the show contain any sensitive themes?
The production deals with themes of adoption, the loss of parents, and the challenges of poverty, though it is handled with humor and warmth.
When is the final performance of Ballet Shoes?
The current run is scheduled to end on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
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