National Theatre and Coram join forces to highlight adoption in Ballet Shoes adaptation

The National Theatre has partnered with Coram, a leading children’s charity, to enhance the upcoming stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s Ballet Shoes. This collaboration aims to highlight adoption issues and celebrate adoptive families during the production’s run at the Olivier Theatre in London, starting with a press performance on 5^th December 2024 and concluding on 22^nd February 2025.

Ballet Shoes tells the story of three adopted sisters navigating life and their ambitions in a pre-war England. The adaptation by Kendall Feaver, directed by Katy Rudd, seeks to bring this poignant narrative to life, emphasising themes of family and personal growth.

To commemorate Big Adoption Day on 15^th January 2025, the National Theatre and Coram will host special events including matinee and evening performances dedicated to families and supporters of adoption. These will be accompanied by a panel discussion led by James O’Brien, a writer and broadcaster who will share his personal adoption experiences. Additionally, attendees will be offered bespoke family tours of the National Theatre, providing an insider’s view of the production process.

Kate Varah, the Executive Director of the National Theatre, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our festive production of Ballet Shoes celebrates and raises awareness of adopted families, whose story is at the heart of Noel Streatfeild’s cherished story, brilliantly reimagined by Kendall Feaver. We’re delighted in this moment to be collaborating with Coram to celebrate Big Adoption Day and offer discounted tickets through the run.”

Dr Carol Homden CBE, CEO of Coram, also commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to collaborate with the National Theatre around this exciting new production, giving adopted children and their families a special opportunity to experience the magic of the show and shining a spotlight on adoption at a time when we need more loving families to come forward for the growing numbers of children waiting.”

The National Theatre is also working with The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) to provide discounted tickets to adoptive families across the UK, aiming to make the theatre experience accessible to more people and reflect their experiences on stage.

This initiative not only celebrates the art of storytelling through theatre but also leverages the emotional and educational impact of performing arts to foster a deeper understanding of adoption and the dynamics of adoptive families.

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Photo: Manuel Harlan

Ballet Shoes is at the National Theatre until 22^nd February 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre here: