Matthew Bourne’s THE RED SHOES returns to London

For dance enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the news is impossible to ignore: THE RED SHOES is coming back to London. Matthew Bourne’s renowned adaptation of the classic 1948 film not only steps onto the Sadler’s Wells stage this winter but also promises a subsequent tour across the UK. Originally launched in 2016 to great acclaim, this Olivier Award-winning production combines romance, tragedy, and pure visual spectacle—all underscored by an unmissable score. If you’re looking for a theatre experience that fuses cinematic grandeur with the raw energy of live dance, read on; this run could be the cultural highlight of the year.

A Much-Anticipated London Season

Dance fans around the globe know THE RED SHOES as a near-mythic piece of cinema co-directed by Michael Powelland Emeric Pressburger. In 2016, Matthew Bourne and his company, New Adventures, boldly brought that classic to the stage, reimagining it with a modern flair that still honoured the film’s legacy. The result was a smash hit, racking up glowing reviews, two Olivier Awards, and a devoted following of admirers eager for more. Now, from 2 December 2025 until 18 January 2026, the show returns to its London home at Sadler’s Wells, ready to dazzle audiences once again before embarking on a new tour.

It’s no small feat for a dance piece to come back stronger with every revival, but THE RED SHOES has consistently demonstrated an ability to resonate. According to multiple theatre surveys, repeat attendances for dance shows are on the rise, often driven by word-of-mouth and the unstoppable allure of productions like Bourne’s. In a post-pandemic era where many are reconnecting with live performances, the timing couldn’t be more apt.

What Made The Original Production So Special

When THE RED SHOES first graced the Sadler’s Wells stage, it wasn’t just hailed as another successful Bourne piece—it was an instant classic. The production’s power hinges on its ability to weave together dance, drama, and cinematic magic. Audiences are drawn into the story of a young ballerina torn between love and ambition, a tension brilliantly depicted through choreography that is both intimate and explosively dynamic.

The show’s original run soared under the banner of New Adventures, which has made a name for itself by breathing fresh life into canonical works. Critics lauded Lez Brotherston’s set and costume designs, which conjured the lavish Hollywood Technicolor aesthetic of the 1940s, right down to the sumptuous colour palette. Meanwhile, the lighting design by Paule Constable and projection design by Duncan McLean elevated the stage into a living film reel, balancing nostalgia with vivid modern stagecraft.

One particularly unique point about this piece is the role that music plays in shaping the narrative tension. The score, featuring the iconic compositions of Bernard Herrmann, is orchestrated by Terry Davies and performed live by the New Adventures Orchestra. The music pulses throughout the production, alternately romantic, haunting, and fierce—much like the shoes themselves. The show’s sound design by Paul Groothuis ensures that each note seeps into the theatre’s rafters, underscoring every dancer’s step.

Matthew Bourne’s Vision And Legacy

Ask anyone in dance circles about Matthew Bourne, and you’ll hear praise for his groundbreaking reinterpretations of ballets and musicals, from SWAN LAKE to EDWARD SCISSORHANDS. Bourne’s approach is to unearth the emotional core of a narrative—be it romantic, gothic, or comedic—and present it in a style that resonates with modern audiences. With THE RED SHOES, he embraced the film’s question—“What matters more: love or art?”—and translated that urgency into movement.

Bourne himself calls the production “a personal love letter to a life in theatre and dance.” For him, seeing audiences embrace the piece, both in the UK and abroad, has been a dream realised. Theatre attendance data suggests that of all his works, THE RED SHOES is particularly adept at drawing in people who might not traditionally attend dance productions. There’s an undeniable cinematic allure to the story—some come because they loved the Powell and Pressburger film, while others are simply curious about the hype. Either way, the synergy of filmic technique and stage performance creates a perfect storm of accessibility.

In an official statement about the revival, Bourne revealed that the show’s 2020 tour was tragically cut short by the pandemic, leaving many fans unable to experience it. This new run is, in part, a chance to right that wrong, ensuring the story reaches every corner of the UK. After the Sadler’s Wells engagement, the production will move on to a variety of venues—details of casting and tour locations have yet to be announced, but theatre insiders are already speculating about potential new faces and beloved returning dancers.

Why This Ballet Continues To Captivate

There’s a timeless appeal to the narrative: an artist must choose between her devotion to her craft and her personal life. It’s a storyline that transcends genres, but in the realm of dance, it becomes all the more poignant. The titular shoes in THE RED SHOES represent ambition, artistry, and destiny, but also carry a foreboding weight—they can’t be taken off easily, metaphorically or literally.

Another factor that contributes to the ballet’s enduring success is its visual spectacle. From the swirling red costumes to the filmic lighting, each element immerses the audience in a heightened reality. This approach resonates with a broader shift in theatre, where visual innovation and large-scale design are increasingly seen as crucial to capturing modern viewers’ imaginations. Surveys suggest that younger audiences, in particular, appreciate stage productions that combine strong narratives with cinematic or “event-like” presentation.

Bourne’s track record of success further legitimises the production. He’s won multiple Olivier Awards (and Tony Awards, too), with SWAN LAKE famously reimagined to feature male swans, which was groundbreaking at the time. In that sense, each new Bourne production or revival is a cultural event—something the theatre community anticipates with genuine excitement.

Celebrating Dance Beyond The West End

Although London is a global theatre capital, it’s vital that major productions like THE RED SHOES venture beyond city limits. Tours help sustain a diverse theatre ecosystem, bringing top-tier performances to regions that might otherwise miss out on big-name shows. According to data from the Society of London Theatre, national tours drive ticket sales and foster local community engagement, demonstrating that high-calibre dance is not confined to the metropolis.

Given the high demand for accessible arts, the revival’s tour could be a golden opportunity for schools, local arts groups, and aspiring dancers. In many cases, dance companies also organise outreach programmes—talks, workshops, and Q&A sessions with cast members—that allow communities to immerse themselves in the behind-the-scenes magic. Though no official announcements have been made on those fronts, it’s common for large-scale tours to include such educational efforts.

This interest in local engagement might resonate especially strongly in places like Australia, where major touring musicals and ballets have historically shaped local performing arts scenes. The synergy between big city and regional art spaces is crucial to the vitality of theatre, and it’s likely that the approach used for THE RED SHOES could serve as a model for future productions.

The Dance Must Go On

So, what’s the takeaway? If you haven’t yet experienced Matthew Bourne’s THE RED SHOES, this winter’s engagement at Sadler’s Wells is a prime chance to see why critics and audiences rave. For those who’ve already witnessed the show in previous runs, this new outing promises not only the same passionate choreography and enchanting storytelling but also the freshness that comes from a partially new cast and a new set of touring venues.

Bourne’s reflection on the piece underscores its staying power: “The production was certainly a landmark event for New Adventures, becoming an instant classic and a beloved addition to our repertoire.” Indeed, we live in an era when many performances are ephemeral, but THE RED SHOES seems destined to keep stepping back into the limelight. Whether you’re drawn by the fiery red costumes, the emotional depth, or the thrilling Bernard Herrmann score, it’s a theatrical event that stands out in a sea of annual revivals.

Make a note in your diary—2 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 at Sadler’s Wells—because a dance phenomenon is returning, ready to whisk you into its world of passion, desire, and sacrifice. Afterwards, the tour will carry that world on the road, ensuring that a broader audience can share in the magic. In the end, THE RED SHOES is more than a dance piece; it’s a statement about the allure of art, the cost of ambition, and the timeless nature of a truly great story.