"Even by fairy-tale standards, Hans Christian Andersen's story of puritanical morality, repression and dismemberment stands out as especially bleak," said Dave Fargnoli in The Stage.
"The Red Shoes" (1845) is about an orphan girl who is bewitched by a pair of red shoes, and condemned to dance in them uncontrollably – unto death. It's not obvious fare for a festive family outing to the theatre. On the plus side, Nancy Harris's retelling "smooths off some sharp edges, excavating a kinder message about empowerment and self-expression" that will likely resonate with young audiences; there are wonderful passages of balletic dance; and the sets and costumes are gorgeous. But the stunning staging rather overwhelms the "slight, familiar story", leaving a production that is never wholly satisfying.
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But if it's not for children, then who is it for, asked Arifa Akbar in The Guardian. Although it seems to aim for crossover appeal, the script isn't "clever or enchanting enough" for grown-ups. And though it promises to bring an old story into the 21st century, Harris's version mainly "upholds the old morality". Where the production – slickly directed and choreographed by Kimberley Rampersad – does excel is in the movement; Cheung's dancing is "hypnotic".
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