Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tickets and more information: https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2019/matthew-bournes-production-of-the-red-shoes-new-adventures/
Booking until: 19th January 2020
Run time: 1hr 55 mins
Production Photographs by: Johan Persson

Despite passing Sadler’s Wells all the time, seeing The Red Shoes was my first trip there. This production was also my first trip to a ballet performance ever and it was a beautiful one to start with. Based on the 1948 film, The Red Shoes follows a young ballerina who must choose between her career or her relationship with an orchestra conductor.

It’s no wonder Matthew Bourne has achieved great acclaim as a choreographer when his choreography, along with his direction, is incredibly stunning and performed by a terrific ensemble. Although it is worth pointing out that for a cast of around 20+, it is a very white cast. I feel like there could’ve been a conscious decision to have a diverse cast.

The set design by Lez Brotherston matched with the projection design by Duncan McLean are very atmospheric. They seem to make the massive stage feel even bigger, which emphasises the drama of the piece. This is able to make the music by Bernard Herrmann and the orchestrations by Terry Davies all that more dramatic.

Overall, for my first ballet I thought it was a very good one. I’m more likely to attend another one, especially if it’s from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company.

Until next time,