One of the books I re-read multiple times as a child was Noel Streatfeild’s Ballet Shoes, published in 1936. The story of the three Fossil sisters captured my heart.
This new version by Kendall Feaver made its debut on the National Theatre stage last winter, and now it makes a welcome return.
Frankie Bradshaw’s set captures the idea of a musty old house crammed with the collections of a lifetime. Ensemble dancers chat with the audience while period songs play.
We are quickly introduced to Sylvia Brown, Nana Gutheridge, and Great Uncle Matthew (G.U.M., the collector who brings back three babies, orphaned and unwanted, from his travels).
Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil vow to “get their names in the history books”, and when G.U.M. goes missing and they fall into (relative) poverty the route seems to be on the stage.
The lodgers vary a little from the novel. Dr Jakes is now bereft of Dr Smith (allowing exploration of how 1930s society treated gay women), house and job.
The Simpsons have been replaced by Jai Saran who offers Sylvia and Petrova support and friendship. Theo Dane, dance teacher, knows the latest crazes and represents the hard life of a company stalwart.
With magic illusions, dazzling routines (Alice in Wonderland, and a backstory for the formidable Madame), Ballet Shoes is an excellent crowdpleaser.
Each girl is just as I remembered her: the determined Pauline; the sarcastic Petrova; the precocious Posy. Their life on Cromwell Road is one of uncertainty but also indicative of what women could achieve.
The story is told with humour and pathos, and most of your favourite bits from the book make it in (Petrova’s “And I”, the necklaces; Pauline’s fall from grace in the dressing room).
Director Katy Rudd has created a world of wonder and warmth in this production of Ballet Shoes. The three Fossils (Nina Cassells, Sienna Arif-Knights, Scarlett Monahan) are note-perfect as adolescents finding their place in the world.
Pandora Colin is a perceptive Dr Jakes, Lesley Nicol a soft-centred Nana, and Justin Salinger a marvellous Madame (he is also G.U.M.). Raj Bajaj and Nadine Higgin add humour to Mr Saran and Theo.
Elsewhere, Anoushka Lucas adds strength to Sylvia (whose artwork is displayed around the house), and Gracie Hodson-Prior offers contrast as aspiring young star Winifred.
There is a lot of dancing in this production (choreography by Ellen Kane), from the mechanics of class to the wistful ballet of Madame’s past (beautifully evoked by Xolisweh Ana Richards).
A recorded score (orchestrated by Gavin Sutherland) adds a sense of occasion, with Samuel Wyer’s costumes capturing a sense of Art Deco decadence. Ash J Woodward’s video design breathes life into the set.
As a devoted fan of the book, I was totally won over. If you know nothing about the Fossils, there’s much to enjoy and admire here.
A full five star brava for this inspiring show!
Ballet Shoes continues at the National Theatre’s Olivier until 21 Feb 2026, with tickets here (from £25).
Image credit: Alastair Muir