Matthew Bourne’s Award-Winning The Red Shoes Comes to Milton Keynes Theatre – February 2026

Matthew Bourne said:

"The Red Shoes was the culmination of a twenty-year ambition to bring Powell and Pressburger’s seminal 1948 film to the stage. In many ways, it became a personal love letter to a life spent in theatre and dance.
When we first premiered the production in 2016, we were overwhelmed by the response—from audiences at home and internationally. It went on to win two Olivier Awards and received accolades from the LA Critics for both choreography and Lez Brotherston’s unforgettable design.
It was a landmark moment for New Adventures, instantly embraced as a modern classic and a treasured part of our repertoire. I’m especially thrilled to see it return in 2026, as our last tour in 2020 was sadly cut short by the pandemic, leaving many of our loyal UK audiences disappointed.
So, welcome back to the Ballet Lermontov. And to paraphrase the great impresario himself… ‘It’s time to put on the red shoes, Vicky, and dance for us again…’"

A sell-out ahead of its 2016 world premiere, The Red Shoes went on to win Best Entertainment and Best Theatre Choreographer (Matthew Bourne) at the 2017 Olivier Awards before returning for a successful UK tour in 2019.

Based on the Academy Award-winning film, this timeless fairytale tells a haunting tale of obsession, passion, and ambition. At its heart is Victoria Page—an aspiring ballerina torn between the two men who drive her art and her heart.

Set to a sweeping score orchestrated by Terry Davies, using the spellbinding music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, the production features sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting), and Paul Groothuis (sound).

An intoxicating blend of drama, romance, and artistry, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses—and break your heart.

This production is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.