This festive season, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) invites families to experience Hans Christian Andersen’s deliciously dark fairytale, The Red Shoes in a new version by Nancy Harris. The show, which runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon between Thursday 7 November - Sunday 19 January, will be supported by an array of enchanting seasonal activities. 

The Red Shoes is the story of a girl who is expected to be seen and not heard. Dazzled by a beautiful pair of shoes she gets from a mysterious shoemaker, she flees her gloomy life only to find her feet taking her to places she never expected.

This captivating production blends illusion, dance and moments of comedy, into a magical story and cautionary tale of pride, vanity and the universal desire for freedom. 

To immerse audiences into the world of the play, the show’s Associate Designer, Bethan Wall has transformed parts of the theatre’s front of house areas in two wintry woodland scenes, inspired by Colin Richmond’s set design for the show. The RSC has also created a special Shoemaker’s Trail featuring an exquisite display of shoes from past RSC productions. Between Thursday 14 November and Monday 13 January 2025, families are invited to follow the trail, explore the tale of The Red Shoes, learn about the craft of shoemaking, and even design their very own shoes. 

These free activities are designed for all ages, making the RSC the perfect festive destination for family fun and creativity.  

The Red Shoes will also offer chilled and relaxed performances for audiences who prefer a more relaxed and casual atmosphere within the auditorium. On Sunday 15 December there will be (chargeable) family workshops giving an insight into the production.

Direction and movement for The Red Shoes is by Kimberley Rampersad, the Associate Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival (Canada), who said: “I am thrilled to be making my UK debut with this production of The Red Shoes at the RSC, in which movement and dance will be an integral part. Nancy Harris’s re-telling invites those of us with past relationships to the story to meet it anew, and welcomes children to meet it for the first time through dance, music and magic.”

Playwright Nancy Harris added:  “The Red Shoes is one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most dark and delicious fairytales. I was excited at the prospect of reimagining this story for a contemporary audience - placing dance and music by Marc Teitler at its centre - without whitewashing the darker elements found in the original fairytale. It’s truly thrilling to be working with Canadian director/choreographer Kimberley Rampersad on this ambitious new production of one of our most intriguing fairytales, for RSC audiences this Christmas.”

The cast includes Nikki Cheung who makes her RSC debut as Karen. Nikki is a ballet, jazz and contemporary theatre performer. Her most recent stage credits include Disney’s The Lion King (West End). She was a featured dancer in Jacky Cheung’s A Classic Tour, appeared in and choreographed for The Freshman’s I’m Coming Home music video, and also appeared in Bradley Wayburne’s Staying Alive television series.   

Sebastien Torkia plays the Priest and the mysterious shoemaker, Sylvestor. Sebastien played Mr Wormwood in the RSC’s Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre), with other West End credits including A Christmas Carol (Old Vic Theatre), The Mousetrap (St Martins Theatre) and Guys and Dolls.  Screen credits include The Boleyns (BBC), Coronation Street, Mamma Mia! and Aladdin.  

Dianne Pilkington and James Doherty make their RSC debuts as Mariella and Bob, the social climbing couple who adopt Karen.  Dianne’s theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Young Frankenstein and Wicked.  James’ theatre credits include London Road, Beyond Caring, NT:50 (National Theatre), Come From Away, Chicago (West End), and Eventide (Arcola); his TV credits include House Of The Dragon, The Gold, Big Boys and Trying.  

The full cast comprises: Julie Armstrong (Ensemble), Leslie Garcia Bowman (Onstage Swing), Nikki Cheung (Karen), Momar Diagne (Ensemble), James Doherty (Bob), Joseph Edwards (Clive), Caití Ellen (Ensemble), Anya Ferdinand (Ensemble), Michael Lin (Ensemble), Mia Musakambeva (Onstage Swing), Kody Mortimer (Prince), Dianne Pilkington (Mariella), Sakuntala Ramanee (Mags), Ben Redfern (Ensemble), Sebastien Torkia (Sylvestor/Priest) and Alexandra Waite-Roberts (Ensemble).  Full bios can be seen here.  

Joining Nancy and Kimberley on the creative team are: Colin Richmond (Set and Costume Designer), Ryan Day (Lighting Designer), Marc Teitler (Composer), Gregory Clarke (Sound Designer), Paul Kieve (Illusionist), and Charlotte Sutton CDG (Casting Director).  

Age Guidance 7+ years. Parental discretion recommended for under 12s.