The Swan Theatre, with its Elizabethan-inspired thrust stage and intimate three-sided seating, sets the perfect scene for this bold and imaginative reimagining of The Red Shoes. Adding to the magic, red shoelaces are cleverly threaded through the balconies, pulling the audience into the story from the moment they step into the space.

The tale kicks off at the funeral of Karen’s mother, marking the moment Karen becomes an orphan. Director Kimberly Rampersad immediately puts her stamp on the piece, blending sharp humour and her unique style. From the very first synchronised turn and mischievous laugh, the cast has the audience eating out of their hands.

As newly orphaned Karen, Nikki Chung is adopted by the Nugent family, a group as eccentric as they are self-serving. Mariella Nugent, played to perfection by Dianne Pilkington, is desperate to join the prestigious Orphan Society—a badge of honour in high society circles. Meanwhile, James Doherty’s Bob Nugent couldn’t care less about orphans, so long as his wife is happy and his wallet remains fat. Their son, Clive Nugent (Joseph Edwards), steals scenes with his gleeful bloodlust, hilariously plotting the demise of neighbourhood pets in ways that are both grotesque and absurdly funny.

Karen’s introduction to the Nugent household is a balancing act—she must fit in just enough to be presentable but never outshine her ‘orphan’ status, which earns the Nugents much-needed sympathy from their peers. Enter Mags (the wonderful Sakuntala Ramanee), who suggests a visit to Sylvester (Sebastien Torkia), the enigmatic shoemaker. Instructions are clear: Karen needs plain, practical shoes. But then... the red shoes appear. Glittering, adorned, and irresistible, they transform Karen into something magical—but not without a price.

The production weaves sleight-of-hand magic into its storytelling, a daring and inventive choice for a Christmas show. While the themes lean toward the melancholic, the evening is an absolute delight. Pilkington and Doherty shine as a pompous, bumbling double act, managing to tread the fine line between satire and caricature with elegance. Torkia, as the shoemaker and narrator, is the linchpin of the piece, effortlessly breaking the fourth wall with charm and finesse. But it’s Ramanee as Mags who tugs at your heartstrings, grounding the fantastical tale with warmth and sincerity.

And then there’s Nikki Chung’s Karen—sweet, delicate, and utterly compelling. She takes us through the highs and lows of her journey with grace and vulnerability, leaving the audience rooting for her from beginning to end.

There are wonderful parallels to the world-famous tale of Cinderella, but The Red Shoes adds layers of complexity, with the titular shoes open to myriad interpretations, making the story universally relatable. The cautionary phrase "be careful what you wish for" encapsulates the heart of the piece—yes, dreams can be realised, but at what cost?

On a deeper level, this production cleverly reflects the challenges of modern life. In a world obsessed with quick fixes like Ozempic and Monjaro, and with addiction on the rise, The Red Shoes feels strikingly relevant. It’s a sharp reminder that the things we believe will enhance our lives can sometimes come at an unexpected cost.

Writer Nancy Harris has crafted a script that is both witty and deeply poignant, perfectly complemented by the bold vision of director and choreographer Kimberly Rampersad. Together, they’ve created a story that is equal parts humour, heartbreak, and magic.

The Red Shoes is a spellbinding triumph, tailor-made for the Swan Theatre’s intimate stage. It’s daring, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining—a Christmas treat that lingers long after the final bow.

A must see this Christmas season.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

The Red Shoes plays at the RSC’s Swan Theatre until 19 January 2025, with further info here.