Archive note: this page preserves the original announcement for Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes 2025–26 return. For the fuller production history and consolidated tour archive, visit The Red Shoes 2025/26 Tour Archive.
Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier Award-winning production returns in 2025. It marks the first tour since the 2020 run was cut short by the pandemic.
After that, the production embarks on a 2026 UK tour, with Nottingham and Southampton already confirmed and further venues still to be announced. As a result, audiences across the country will finally have the chance to experience this visually stunning and emotionally powerful production.
Why You Should See The Red Shoes UK Tour 2026
- 🎭 Created and directed by Matthew Bourne, one of the UK’s most celebrated choreographers
- 🏆 Double Olivier Award-winner, including Best Entertainment and Best Theatre Choreographer
- 🎶 Featuring the unforgettable music of Bernard Herrmann, orchestrated by Terry Davies
- 🩰 A spellbinding blend of dance, cinema, drama, and fairytale storytelling
This is a production that regularly sells out — and for good reason.
About Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes
First premiered in 2016, The Red Shoes sold out before its opening season even began. Since then, the production has become one of Matthew Bourne’s most celebrated works. It returned for a national tour in 2019 and was due to tour again in 2020.
However, the pandemic cut that tour short. As a result, audiences across the UK missed the chance to see the production. Now, The Red Shoes UK Tour 2025–2026 finally brings this acclaimed work back to the stage.
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
A Timeless Story of Obsession and Ambition
Based on the legendary film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, as well as the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, The Red Shoes explores obsession, sacrifice and artistic ambition.
At the centre of the story is Victoria Page, a young dancer driven by an overwhelming desire to succeed. As her career develops, she becomes torn between two men who fuel her passion in very different ways. Consequently, her dream begins to demand more than she can give.
Ultimately, the production asks a powerful question: how far is too far when chasing greatness?
Music, Design and Creative Vision
Visually, The Red Shoes is one of New Adventures’ most striking productions. Lez Brotherston’s sumptuous set and costume designs create a rich, cinematic world. Meanwhile, Paule Constable’s lighting adds atmosphere and emotional depth.
Musically, the production features the unforgettable compositions of Bernard Herrmann, orchestrated by Terry Davies. Together with Paul Groothuis’ immersive sound design, these elements create a theatrical experience that feels both grand and intimate.
As a result, The Red Shoes becomes a production that dazzles the senses while delivering genuine emotional impact.
The Red Shoes UK Tour 2026 Full Tour Dates
📍 Sadler’s Wells Tuesday 2 December 2025 – Sunday 18 January 2026
🎟️ On sale: Now
This marks New Adventures’ 23rd consecutive Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells.
📍 Theatre Royal Nottingham Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 February 2026
🎟️ On sale: Friday 21 February 2025
📍 Mayflower Theatre Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 March 2026
🎟️ On sale: Thursday 20 February 2025
✨ Further UK tour dates to be announced
🎟️ Tickets available via ATG Tickets
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