Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes has arrived at Milton Keynes Theatre in a blaze of theatrical imagination, and it’s a production that absolutely revels in the magic of performance itself.

It’s visually rich and easy to follow, drawing the audience into both the glamour of performance and the reality behind the scenes.

A standout feature is the revolving proscenium frame designed like theatre curtains. As it turns, the focus shifts smoothly between the ballet being performed and the backstage world around it. This clever staging keeps the “show within a show” idea clear and adds a cinematic feel to the production. You really sense the excitement, pressure and ambition that drive the characters.

There are also several wonderfully inventive scenes that bring colour and variety. A beach sequence, complete with carefully choreographed beach balls, is playful and visually memorable. The cabaret scene provides a burst of humour, with exaggerated Egyptian sand dancers, strong men and burlesque performers creating a lively contrast to the more serious moments. These lighter touches make the emotional story even more effective.

The ballet sequences from The Red Shoes itself are dramatic and stylish, showing the pull of art and ambition at the heart of the story. Everything builds towards a final scene that is both shocking and beautifully staged, leaving the audience in stunned silence before the applause begins.

This production proves why Bourne’s version remains so popular. It’s entertaining, inventive and visually beautiful, while still telling a story that stays with you long after the curtain call.