A charming story of three sisters’ journey into the world of performing arts.
Ballet Shoes by Kendall Fever is a charming adaptation of Noel Streatfield's well-loved children's novel, also known through a film adaptation starring Emma Watson, Eileen Atkins and Victoria Wood. The National Theatre adaptation returns to the stage in November 2025.
The play tells the story of three orphaned sisters (Pauline, Petrova and Posy) as they strive for their aspirations in the world of creativity and performing arts. Their home is one of fossils, not just because their Uncle Gum is a palaeontologist, but also because, in adopting them, he made their surname Fossil. Other characters include their guardian Sylvia, their dear Nana and some other lively and varied houseguests.
The script cleverly builds each of the girls’ characters, each with their own unique take on the world. Pauline seeks the spotlight with her flair for acting. Petrova is more practical and, with her love for mechanical aviation, brings a more grounded perspective. The youngest, Posy, is a gifted dancer with a captivating and naïve grace. The relationship between them and their dynamics are beautifully written and their individualism is communicated well as each shapes their own destiny and establish their bond as a sisterhood.
This adaptation feels pacey and exciting with a charm almost akin to the ever-popular Paddington films, creatively establishing 1930s London and a chaotic family with strong values. There's a brilliant mix of humour and poignancy which will touch the soul for audiences of all ages. The delivery of the script is interwoven with enchanting dance sequences, including Posy's ballet (storytelling both the beauty of the art form and the hard work it entails) and more lively swing sections where we see the cast lindy hop their way around the set.
Noticeable strengths of this as a script are the pacey dialogue, the opportunities it presents young female performers and an appeal to a wide range of ages. It's a captivating and heartwarming script with engaging storytelling married with exciting movement pieces. Seeing these young women shape their own destinies with hard graft and the support of one another will be inspiring especially to younger playgoers.
Previous runs have been very popular over the festive period, and I'm sure the next run from November to February will be just the same.