Last year Esther, Bea and I were invited to
The National Theatre
To the press night for the new stage adaptation of
Noel Streatfield’s Ballet Shoes

As HUGE fans of the book, the film and
The London Children’s Ballet
We had high expectations but also
We were very anxious
How would this wonderful story
Transfer from page to stage

We need not have worried
From the moment we arrived
At the theatre
We knew that everything
Was going to be alright

The excitement and anticipation
Was electric
I know it sounds cheesy
But it is true

The content of the programme
Is perfection
Bea, a 9 year old budding ballerina
Loved the character quiz
The ballet word search and quiz
The theatre terms quiz

Esther and I loved the history
And the article by Jacqueline Wilson
On how Ballet Shoes became a childhood favourite

We all also loved the pin badges
Representing the Fossil sisters
Available to buy in the foyer

As we entered the auditorium
To the sounds of wonderful
1930s jazz and swing music
We were given postcards
So the girls could spot
Some of the finer details
Of the amazing multi-level set
While waiting for the show to start

Bea was soon thoroughly distracted
By all the ballerinas
Twirling through the audience
Showing guests some simple steps
Bea was desperate to get up and dance
It was such a wonderful welcome
To have the cast among the audience
Reaching out to those who had come
To support them

Before the show had begun
We knew we were in for a real treat
I could not wait to see
What would happen on the stage
And how the story would begin

Ballet Shoes has an incredible ensemble cast
Every person on the stage was amazing
I loved every character
Each played with humour and heart
And a real depth of emotion
The three sisters were particularly wonderful
Bea loved Posy and her passion for ballet
I loved Pauline

This incredible show was woven with
Important messages for young and old
About the importance of
Dance and drama and following your dreams
About working hard
Messages about being true to yourself
About found families
About love and loss and loyalty

There were wonderful show scenes when the girls
Were part of a whimsical Alice in Wonderland
And an Avant Garde A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The production was warm and funny
It dealt with loss so sensitively
This bookish show has something
For everyone

We cannot wait to go again this year
For us it is going to be even more special
As Sienna Arif-Knights is playing Petrova

We know Sienna better as Sally Hope
From Malory Towers
My children have grown up with
Sally on screen and cannot wait to see
Petrova on stage

Esther and I are also excited to see
Scarlett Monahan as Posy
Esther and I watched Scarlett dance
When she was in The London Children’s Ballet
Production of Ballet Shoes
We cannot wait to see her again

For anyone like my Bea
Who loves books and ballet
For anyone like Esther and William
Who have always loved this story
For anyone like me
Who adored this book as a child
Who loves the movie
The National Theatre’s production
Is an absolute muse see
A real festive treat for all the family
We cannot wait to go again!