A production that dazzles from the first moment 🩰

The atmosphere in the Donald Gordon Theatre was electric long before the curtain rose. There is something about Bourne’s blend of storytelling and choreography that creates a sense of occasion, and tonight’s performance of The Red Shoes delivered on every expectation. Bernard Herrmann’s sweeping score filled the space with a sense of old‑Hollywood drama, while Lez Brotherston’s set and costumes created a world that felt both nostalgic and sharply modern.

My plus one whispered in my ear, “It’s like watching a film come alive,” and that sentiment carried through the entire evening.

Standout performances

The cast sheet for tonight’s performance revealed a strong company, and they more than lived up to it.

• Hannah Kremer brought a luminous vulnerability to Victoria Page, capturing both the thrill of artistic ambition and the cost of chasing perfection.

• Reece Causton as Boris Lermontov was magnetic, commanding the stage with icy authority and flashes of unexpected warmth.

• Leonardo McCorkindale gave Julian Craster a beautifully earnest sincerity, making his creative frustration and romantic turmoil feel painfully real.

Among the ensemble, Liam Mower as Grischa Ljubov was a particular delight, blending humour, precision and character detail in a way that lifted every scene he touched.

A story told through movement

What makes The Red Shoes so compelling is its ability to communicate emotion without a single spoken word. The choreography is full of wit, tension and longing, and tonight’s company delivered it with clarity and heart. The ballet‑within‑the‑ballet sequence was a highlight, a surreal and visually stunning moment that drew audible gasps from the audience.

One line from the programme echoed in my mind throughout the evening:

“The red shoes are a dream, a promise and a warning.”

That duality—beauty and danger intertwined—was present in every step.

A Cardiff audience utterly enthralled

There was a palpable sense of appreciation in the room, the kind of collective focus that only happens when a production truly lands. As the curtain fell, the applause was immediate and heartfelt, a recognition of the craft, discipline and artistry on display.

Another audience member summed it up perfectly as we filed out into the night:

“It’s the kind of show that stays with you long after you’ve left the theatre.”

“It’s like watching a film come alive”

— ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - The Edit Wales

To get your tickets to Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes Visit the Wales Millennium Centre Website here! You’ll be totally entranced. 🩰