From the moment the curtain rises, you’re quite literally drawn into the seductive world of Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes. A world where ambition, obsession, and artistry collide in the most dazzling and devastating fashion.

Under the direction and choreography of Matthew Bourne, this production feels both lovingly classic and thrillingly modern. Inspired by the iconic film and the Hans Christian Andersen tale of the same name, it balances storytelling and spectacle with remarkable precision, never letting one overshadow the other. It’s cinematic in scale, yet deeply intimate in its emotional core.

Cordelia Braithwaite’s Victoria Page is utterly captivating, a rising star whose hunger for greatness is as magnetic as it is heart breaking. Opposite her, Andy Monaghan’s Lermontov exudes a chilling authority, embodying the ruthless pursuit of artistic perfection with unnerving charm. Jarrod McWilliams brings warmth and vulnerability to Julian Craster, grounding the production with a human touch that makes the stakes feel all the more real.

Visually, the show is nothing short of a technicolour musical dream, emanating the same level of glitz and glamour of the classic film. Lez Brotherston’s set and costume design conjure a rich, alternate world that shifts seamlessly between backstage grit and onstage glamour. The use of a revolving stage is particularly inspired, blurring the boundary between performance and reality as behind-the-scenes drama quite literally turns into the main event. It’s a clever, almost hypnotic device that mirrors Victoria’s spiralling journey, making the audience feel as though they’re caught in the same relentless momentum. Paule Constable’s lighting enhances this beautifully, adding layers of mood and magic, while Paul Groothuis’ sound design ensures every note lands with impact. Speaking of notes, Bernard Herrmann’s sweeping score, orchestrated by Terry Davies, surges through the production with a lush intensity and sweeps you along the journey before you realise too late where the tale will end.

The ensemble deserves enormous praise, delivering a feast for the eyes with precision, passion, and personality in equal measure. From the elegant poise of the ballet company to the dynamic character work throughout, every performer contributes to a world that feels fully alive.

What truly sets this production apart, though, is its emotional resonance. It’s exhilarating, haunting, and unexpectedly funny in places, with moments of wit that keep the audience delightfully on their toes.

In short, this is a five-star triumph: bold, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.

The Red Shoes is at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 18 Apr 2026