The National Theatre's stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild's novel, with Anton Du Beke as Great Uncle Matthew, on tour to the Liverpool Empire.
Ballet Shoes comes to the Liverpool Empire from Tuesday 11 January to Saturday 15 January 2028, as part of the National Theatre's UK tour. It's their stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild's novel, reimagined by award-winning playwright Kendall Feaver and directed by Katy Rudd, who's also behind The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Nanny McPhee.
The story follows three adopted sisters—Pauline, Petrova and Posy—growing up in a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils. Each is fighting to pursue her own passion in a society that isn't yet ready to embrace ambitious young women. It's a family piece that works as much for adults as it does for younger audiences, and the reviews have been strong: the Sunday Times called it a 'masterpiece', the Guardian 'spectacular' and The i 'a perfect joy'.
On stage, Anton Du Beke takes on the double role of Great Uncle Matthew and Fidolia. The Liverpool dates are one stop on a tour that started on 19 August 2027 with a limited run at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre, so by the time it reaches the Empire, the production will have been on the road for several months.
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There are plenty of options for catching it over the week. The run opens with a 19:00 performance on Tuesday 11 January, followed by matinees at 14:00 and evening shows at 19:00 on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13. Friday 14 is evening only at 19:00, and Saturday 15 has both a 14:00 matinee and a 19:00 show. That's eight performances in five days, so you can pick a weekday evening or a weekend matinee to suit.
