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The Magic of <Ballet Shoes>: 2025 vs. 2026
Team HereWeAre
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Hello everyone! This is Ella and I am thrilled to officially introduce myself as a Global Supporter for HereWeAre. For those who don't know me, I am a culture enthusiast currently navigating the beautiful, hectic, and endlessly inspiring life in London. My mission is to bring you the "real" London—the hidden gems, the booking hacks, and the emotional stories that make this city feel like home.
For my very first post, I have to talk about the production that is quite literally the reason I returned to the UK this year:
<Ballet Shoes> at the National Theatre.
I have now seen this show across two different runs, and I can confidently say it is the most "perfect" production I have ever witnessed in London.
I first fell in love with Ballet Shoes during its 2025 opening run. It was a spectacle of "National Theatre capital" you could see the high production value in every frame. However, returning for the 2026 revival, I was blown away by how a masterpiece could actually get better.
My journey with Ballet Shoes began in early 2025. I was lucky enough to snag a seat in Row A (Front Row), right-side. Entering the Olivier Theatre, I noticed something strange: an extra row of hats and props right in front of the front row.
As the show began, the magic revealed itself. The ensemble actors actually sit there, playing the role of the "audience" within the play. Before the curtain even rose, they were interacting with us—teaching us ballet poses and even "lending" us their vintage hats! It was my first taste of what I call "National Theatre Capital"—the sheer production value and attention to detail that only a world-class institution can provide.
I left that first show in 2025 so moved that I booked a third ticket before I even got on the tube home. I knew then that if this show ever returned, I would be there.
2026 Revival: Can Perfection Be Improved?
Fast forward to early 2026, and Ballet Shoes is back for its revival. Many wonder if a second run can capture the same lightning in a bottle. Having just come from my third viewing (and with a fourth booked for tomorrow!), I can tell you: it’s actually better.
What Changed?
The Cast
While I loved the original 2025 performers, the 2026 revival brought in new faces for Pauline, Petrova, Posy, and Sylvia. The diction of the new cast is incredible; every line cuts through the theater with perfect clarity.
While I loved the original 2025 performers, the 2026 revival brought in new faces for Pauline, Petrova, Posy, and Sylvia. The diction of the new cast is incredible; every line cuts through the theater with perfect clarity.
Refined Direction
Some small but powerful changes were made to the staging. In Posy’s first ballet audition, they added a moment where she falls. This wasn't just a mistake; it showcased her resilience and Madame Fidolia’s teaching that a true dancer always gets back up.
Some small but powerful changes were made to the staging. In Posy’s first ballet audition, they added a moment where she falls. This wasn't just a mistake; it showcased her resilience and Madame Fidolia’s teaching that a true dancer always gets back up.
Visual Storytelling
For Pauline’s transition into film acting, the 2026 version used black-and-white film projections behind the stage. It made her talent and her dedication to the craft feel much more tangible and convincing.
For Pauline’s transition into film acting, the 2026 version used black-and-white film projections behind the stage. It made her talent and her dedication to the craft feel much more tangible and convincing.
Insider Booking Tips: How to Score the Best Seats
If you're planning to catch this before it closes on February 21st, here is how to handle your booking like a pro:
1.The 16-25 Discount
If you are between 16 and 25 years old, sign up for the National Theatre’s young person's program. You can snag tickets for as low as £5 or £10. It is hands-down the best deal in London.
Tickets for 16-25-year-olds: £10 or under
All year round.
Throughout the year, UK residents aged 16-25 years old can book tickets priced £10 or under, for any of our shows at the South Bank, with more tickets released every month.Simply unlock 16-25s tickets using one of the magic links below and tickets can be yours for a tenner, or less, all year round.
Terms and conditions apply. Proof of age required. 16-25 tickets limited to two per customer per production.
Throughout the year, UK residents aged 16-25 years old can book tickets priced £10 or under, for any of our shows at the South Bank, with more tickets released every month.Simply unlock 16-25s tickets using one of the magic links below and tickets can be yours for a tenner, or less, all year round.
Terms and conditions apply. Proof of age required. 16-25 tickets limited to two per customer per production.
2.
American Express Advantage
Amex cardholders often get access to presale tickets or dedicated seat blocks. If the show looks "sold out," check the Amex portal; sometimes hidden gems are waiting there!
3.
Seating Strategy
Front Row (Row A)
You get incredible immersion. In the run, the ensemble even interacted with us, teaching us ballet poses! Just be prepared to look up at the actors' profiles.
Center Stalls (Row F or Row C)
My personal "sweet spot." Row F gives you the full stage picture, while Row C (where I sat for the revival) offers a perfect view of the actors' emotional expressions
A Story of "Fossils" and Family
At its heart, Ballet Shoes is a story about three orphans—Pauline, Petrova, and Posy—who are "collected" by Great Uncle Matthew (GUM) and raised by the young, resilient Sylvia.
What makes this story so moving is the Fossil family bond. These girls weren't born sisters; they chose to be. They even chose their own surname, "Fossil," at age five. In the revival, the scene where Sylvia and Jaye marry and choose to take the name Mr. & Mrs. Fossil (instead of Jaye's name) moved me to tears. It solidified them as a real, chosen family.
Pauline (The actress)
•
The eldest, who uses her acting wages to support the family. She's the backbone.
Petrova (The Pilot)
•
The mechanical soul. She hates the stage but loves engines and planes. Her "Bye, House" moment at the end always leaves a lump in my throat.
Posy (The dancer)
•
The pure, sometimes ruthless, passion for ballet. Watching her audition makes you wonder, "When was the last time I wanted something that much?"
Don't Forget the Merch!
The National Theatre bookshop is dangerous for my wallet. For the 2025 run, I grabbed a cute Ballet Shoes keyring for £7.50.
This year, they released beautiful character illustrations of the three sisters. They are less than £10 each, and honestly, you won't be able to pick a favorite. I ended up buying all three!
Whether it's the "taste of capital" in the set design or the deeply moving female-led narrative, Ballet Shoes is a triumph. It's a story about not just surviving, but thriving.
If you're in London, don't miss out. And for more tips on navigating life and culture in this city, make sure to check out HereWeAre!
(This content is created by HereWeAre Global Supporters)
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허성욱 _Luka)
Can Perfection Be Improved? Impressive!! enjoyed reading your post!! I can't wait to see this show,,,,
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