The National Theatre’s Ballet Shoes tours the UK from August 2027, with Anton Du Beke making his first appearance in a National Theatre production.
The National Theatre’s Ballet Shoes will tour the UK from August 2027 into 2028, and Anton Du Beke will make his debut in a National Theatre production, playing Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia. The tour opens at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury on 19 August 2027 and reaches Sadler’s Wells in London on 25 August, where press night is 31 August and the run continues to 11 September.
It is a significant move for a production that has never left the South Bank. Kendall Feaver’s adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s 1936 novel, directed by Katy Rudd, played to sold-out houses in the Olivier in 2024 and again in 2025; this is its first outing beyond the building, produced by the National Theatre with Chris Harper Productions.
The story is set in a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, where three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – work out who they are and who they want to be, watched over by new guardians and a handful of unlikely lodgers. In a world not built for women with big ambitions, they try to pursue their own passions, hold the family together and learn a dance or two on 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.”
Producer Chris Harper said: “I am overjoyed to be working with the National Theatre again, and especially thrilled to work with Katy Rudd, whose acclaimed production of Ballet Shoes is an absolute delight. Audiences are in for a huge treat with Anton Du Beke, who will be joining us as Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia. I can’t wait to share this production with audiences across the UK for the adventure of a lifetime.”
Director Katy Rudd, whose The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was seen in the West End and who is directing Emma Thompson’s new musical adaptation of Nanny McPhee in the West End, said: “After two successful runs at the National Theatre, I am excited to share Ballet Shoes with an even bigger audience as it embarks on its first tour of the UK. Ballet Shoes is a much-loved story written by Noel Streatfeild about three young, orphaned girls who, despite the odds, learn to pursue their individual passions, build their futures and do it for themselves. A revolutionary idea in the 1930s when the book first appeared and still very potent today.”
Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre Kate Varah added: “To have Anton Du Beke take on the role of Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia, swapping Strictly ballroom for the world of Ballet Shoes is glorious. Anton is perfectly placed to bring his warmth, charm and adventurous spirit to this radiant, life-affirming production.”
Katy Rudd directs, with set design by Frankie Bradshaw, costume design by Samuel Wyer, choreography by Ellen Kane, music by Asaf Zohar, dance arrangements and orchestrations by Gavin Sutherland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, video design by Ash J Woodward and illusions by Chris Fisher. Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG is casting director. Du Beke plays selected performances at selected venues, and further casting is to be announced.
Tour dates announced so far:
- 19-21 August 2027: Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
- 25 August - 11 September 2027: Sadler’s Wells, London
- 14-18 September 2027: Norwich Theatre Royal
- 21-25 September 2027: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
- 5-9 October 2027: Nottingham Theatre Royal
- 12-16 October 2027: Birmingham Hippodrome
- 19-23 October 2027: Edinburgh Playhouse
- 26-30 October 2027: King’s Theatre, Glasgow
- 4-13 November 2027: Chichester Festival Theatre
- 16-20 November 2027: Bristol Hippodrome
- 30 November - 4 December 2027: Sunderland Empire
- 8 December 2027 - 2 January 2028: The Lowry, Salford
- 5-8 January 2028: New Theatre Oxford
- 11-15 January 2028: Liverpool Empire
- 18-22 January 2028: Milton Keynes Theatre
- 22-26 February 2028: Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (to be confirmed)
Further dates and venues are to be announced. Running time is 2 hours 30 minutes including a 20-minute interval, and the recommended age is 7 and over. Priority booking at several venues opens on Friday 18 September 2026, with general on sale from Thursday 24 September 2026. The tour will also work with Frozen Light, which makes multi-sensory theatre for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities, at selected venues, and access performances and family ticket rates will be available throughout.
