National Theatre’s BALLET SHOES to embark on major tour in August 2027 starring Anton Du Beke
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, adapted for the stage by Kendall Feaver, will begin a major tour of the UK in August 2027 touring through to 2028, starring Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke who makes his debut in a National Theatre production playing Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia.
Ballet Shoes opens at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 19 August 2027, before visiting Sadler’s Wells in London, Norwich Theatre Royal, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Birmingham Hippodrome, Edinburgh Playhouse, Kings Theatre Glasgow, Chichester Festival Theatre, Bristol Hippodrome, Sunderland Empire, Lowry Salford, New Theatre Oxford, Liverpool Empire, Milton Keynes Theatre, and Mayflower Theatre Southampton. Further dates and venues to be announced.
This five star reimagining of Noel Streatfeild's beloved novel breathes fresh life into the classic story, while staying true to its heart. In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters - Pauline, Petrova and Posy - are learning who they are and discovering who they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their new guardians and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions: but in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way?
Anton du Beke said: “I took my family to see Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre, and I completely fell in love with the show. It was such a beautiful, joyful production, and when I was given the opportunity to be part of it, I jumped at the chance. I couldn’t wait to step into that world and be a part of the magic. It gives me an exciting opportunity to test myself further as an actor - and dance and family are at the core, the two most important things to me.”
The creative team includes director Katy Rudd, set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, composer Asaf Zohar, dance arrangements and orchestrations Gavin Sutherland, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph, video designer Ash J Woodward, illusions Chris Fisher, and casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG.
Anton Du Beke will perform the role of Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia during specific performances at select venues. Further casting to be announced.