The Red Shoes | The Lowry

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes has returned to the Lowry bringing with it all the dark glamour and emotional intensity that have made this double Olivier Award-winning production a modern classic. Inspired by the iconic Powell and Pressburger film—and the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale that came before it—Bourne’s staging once again blends cinematic sweep with expressive choreography, set to Bernard Herrmann’s atmospheric score orchestrated by Terry Davies.

At the centre of the story is Victoria Page, portrayed with luminous conviction by Ashley Shaw, whose rise from promising young dancer to tragic muse unfolds under the watchful eye of Andy Monaghan’s commanding impresario Boris Lermontov and Dominic North’s impassioned composer Julian Craster. Supported by a richly characterised company and Lez Brotherston’s sumptuous designs, this revival steps boldly back into a world where ambition, artistry and obsession collide—with consequences as breathtaking as they are devastating.

The performance is split into two acts and transports the audience through key locations in London and France, including Covent Garden, Paris, Monte Carlo and Villefranche-sur-Mer. The set design cleverly transforms the theatre into each of these iconic places, vividly capturing the contrasting moods of the cities. Alongside these dynamic set changes, the costumes also reflect the heart and character of each location, immersing the audience fully in the journey of the story.

The New Adventures company is made up of dancers with a wide range of professional experience, including many who are new to the ensemble. The calibre of dance throughout is exceptional. This production is a perfect blend of seasoned performers and fresh talent, working together with remarkable cohesion to deliver a truly outstanding performance.

As well as the remarkable choreography, the storytelling is conveyed clearly through a dynamic set that transitions seamlessly between rehearsal, stage and real life. The set design—enhanced by thoughtful video projection—adds atmosphere and darkness where needed without distracting from the choreography. Instead, these elements enhance the dancers’ work and provide further clarity as the narrative moves between different locations.

During the performance, the orchestra led by Terry Davies played with impeccable precision, complementing the dancers and the storytelling in a beautifully supportive way. The darker scenes were underscored with dramatic musical passages that swept up the audience emotionally, while several moments of complete stillness—with only a single dancer on stage—created striking intensity. These quiet, focused moments were breathtaking, as the dancers commanded the stage with absolute control.

With all these elements working in perfect harmony, the story and message of the ballet are conveyed with clarity and emotional impact. The production captures the heart of the Hans Christian Andersen tale and the glamour of the 1948 film, transforming them into a magical and deeply engaging piece of theatre.

This is a production for all audiences, whether you are a dedicated ballet enthusiast or experiencing dance theatre for the first time. With incredible skill, poignant silent moments, comedic touches and heartbreaking drama, it strikes the perfect balance of everything that makes theatre so extraordinary.

The Red Shoes is showing at The Lowry, Manchester until 29 November and continues on a UK tour until 25 April 2026.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Johan Persson