Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes – The Lowry

Matthew Bourne’s production of The Red shoes is a true masterclass in storytelling. Directed and choreographed by Bourne, it enchants audiences and speaks volumes without a single word being spoken. From the opening moment, the stage is charged with a dramatic intensity that pulls audiences in to a world of passion, ambition and a life in the 1940s.

The staging is a work of art and a credit to designer Lez Brotherston, A single stage curtain on a proscenium arch creates the starting and ending backdrop to this story of a young dancer dreaming to make it, who’s passion for dancing becomes an obsession, torn between two men, her tragic fate was sealed the moment she put the red shoes on. It’s as if we are watching a ballet, but also a life imitation, and the revolving curtain is framing the journey, almost like it is a character in and of itself. The shifting scenery and lighting design, courtesy of Paul Constable, add a sense of magic that seamlessly shifts the audience from one scene to the next. Add in the intensifying sounds of the orchestra, it’s a night you won’t easily forget.

This production is stunning yet is laced with heartbreak. Red shoes really are the main character in all of this, becoming a symbol of artistic transcendence and destructive obsession. It leaves the audience stunned in their seats and torn between admiration of the story or sorrow for the characters.

Ashley Shaw’s stellar performance as the rising star Victoria Page was truly incredible. The expressions and emotions Shaw used throughout showed the vulnerability of Victoria as she chases her dreams, before it became a powerful display of Victoria’s obsession once she put on the red shoes.  Shaw’s dancing was breathtaking; she really is a master of her craft and a storytelling wonder.

Credit also goes to Dominic North’s portrayal of the struggling composer Julian Krastor, and also to Andy Monaghan as ballet impresario Boris Lermontov. These two men danced their hearts out as their characters fought for the affection of Victoria Page. North’s soulful dancing represented the sensitive character that Krastor was as he tried to find his place in the competitive world of compositions and ballet. North embedded the emotions in a technical, yet human way, which added beauty to the performance that left audiences in awe.

Monaghan ramped up the performance for his portrayal of Lermontov, who’s jealousy of Victoria and Julian’s love, and the need for Victoria in his company brings out a powerful display of passion and struggle. Monaghan’s authority as he danced carried the character’s feelings in a most compelling performance. Both North and Monaghan embody their characters effortlessly and leave the audiences awestruck.

All the company dancers in this production are incredibly talented and deserve so much credit. They really help to keep the story going throughout. Without these dancers, the bigger moments, like the dance of the Red Shoes, would not be as effective. Their attention to detail really added to the drama unfolding before us.

It’s important to mention that this is a Matthew Bourne Production, and his reinvention of classic tales is what keeps audiences coming back. His reputation speaks volumes as he boldly brings his tale of The Red Shoes into the glamour of the 1940s. His signature wit shines through in moments of light-hearted comedy, breaking up the darker, more intense themes. It offers a small relief to the tragedy of the story, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there’s always a small reprieve through comedy, which reflects the absurdities of life. It wouldn’t be a Matthew Bourne production without these touches to lighten the mood, yet it doesn’t take away the effect of the overall story.

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes is proof that storytelling needs no words to move an audience. It captures the power of human ambition and obsession in a tragically beautiful way. The production balances comedy with tragedy and love with heartbreak. It’s a reminder that theatre can move us deeply but take us to a new world where movement speaks volumes and is all that’s needed to tell the tale. The Red Shoes isn’t just a performance, it’s an experience. One that will live in the audience’s memories long after the curtain falls.

Reviewer: Abigail Pendlebury

Reviewed: 25th November 2025

North West End UK Rating: