Picture: Matt Crockett
Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke will make his National Theatre debut in the NT’s acclaimed production of Ballet Shoes when the family favourite embarks on a major UK tour next summer.
The popular dancer turned judge on the BBC’s flagship Saturday series will take on the roles of Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia in the Katy Rudd-directed production of Kendall Feaver’s celebrated adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s much-loved 1930s novel when it opens at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury from 19-21 August 2027.
Looking forward to his latest role, Du Beke said: “I took my family to see Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre, and I completely fell in love with the show. It was such a beautiful, joyful production, and when I was given the opportunity to be part of it, I jumped at the chance. I couldn’t wait to step into that world and be a part of the magic. It gives me an exciting opportunity to test myself further as an actor – and dance and family are at the core, the two most important things to me.”
Co-producer Chris Harper added: “I am overjoyed to be working with the National Theatre again, and especially thrilled to work with Katy Rudd, whose acclaimed production of Ballet Shoes is an absolute delight. Audiences are in for a huge treat with Anton Du Beke, who will be joining us as Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia. I can’t wait to share this production with audiences across the UK for the adventure of a lifetime.”
Rudd, who also directed the recent acclaimed production of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and will be directing Emma Thompson’s brand-new musical adaptation of Nanny McPhee in the West End commented: “After two successful runs at the National Theatre, I am excited to share Ballet Shoes with an even bigger audience as it embarks on its first tour of the UK. Ballet Shoes is a much-loved story written by Noel Streatfeild about three young, orphaned girls who, despite the odds, learn to pursue their individual passions, build their futures and do it for themselves. A revolutionary idea in the 1930s when the book first appeared and still very potent today.
“I love this story because it shows us the transformational power of the arts to change lives. The arts help us to work out who we are, find empathy and community with others and build resilience to overcome the obstacles in our way. These ideas are central to the children in this story – and – importantly, to young people up and down our country today. I can’t wait for people to experience Kendall Feaver’s gorgeous adaptation of Ballet Shoes; it has something for everyone. It is an uplifting and magical family show. It will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with the theatre.”
The executive director and co-chief executive of the National Theatre, Kate Varah commented: “We are thrilled to be touring the UK next year with our hit stage adaptation of Ballet Shoes in a co-production with Chris Harper Productions, following two hugely successful runs at the National Theatre in 2024 and 2025. To have Anton Du Beke take on the role of Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia, swapping Strictly ballroom for the world of Ballet Shoes is glorious. Anton is perfectly placed to bring his warmth, charm and adventurous spirit to this radiant, life-affirming production. Adapted by Kendall Feaver from Noel Streatfeild’s adored 1930s novel and directed by Katy Rudd, audiences across the country of all ages will be enchanted by their heart-warming production.”
Following Aylesbury the production will play a season at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London from 25 August to 11 September 2027. The tour will then visit Norwich Theatre Royal (14-18 September 2027), Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury (21-25 September 2027), Nottingham Theatre Royal (5-9 October 2027), Birmingham Hippodrome (12-16 October 2027), Edinburgh Playhouse (19-23 October 2027), King’s Theatre Glasgow (26-30 October 2027), Chichester Festival Theatre (4-13 November 2027), Bristol Hippodrome (16-20 November 2027), Sunderland Empire Theatre (30 November to 4 December 2027), The Lowry, Salford (8 December 2027 to 2 January 2028), New Theatre Oxford (5-8 January 2028), Liverpool Empire Theatre (11-15 January 2028), Milton Keynes Theatre (18-22 January 2028) and Mayflower Theatre Southampton (22-26 February 2028). Further dates and venues are to be announced.
The creative team for the production also includes set designer Frankie Bradshaw, costume designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Ellen Kane, composer Asaf Zohar, dance arranger and orchestrator Gavin Sutherland, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph and video designer Ash J Woodward, with illusions by Chris Fisher. The casting director is Bryony Jarvis-Taylor.
Angela Thomas
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