The Red Shoes | Birmingham Rep

Presented by Rep Studio 8, The Rep’s intensive training programme for emerging actors.

When an orphaned young woman is taken in by a wealthy family, she’s expected to keep her head down and her spirit quiet. But when she slips on a pair of dazzling red shoes, her world begins to spin and her hunger for life and freedom can no longer be contained.

Rep Studio 8 bring to life Nancy Harris’s bold, contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy-tale of dance, desire and destruction.

An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

Curtain Raiser performance: The Shoes

The Shoes are powerful. The Shoes are mysterious. The Shoes are odd.

Presented by: Kings Heath Secondary School (Years 7-9)
Directed by: Robert Beck
Thanks to: Hannah Silverster and Lisa Macfarlane.

Find out more about the rep rising 2026 festival

Venue

Presented by

Rep Studio 8

Based on the book by

Hans Christian Andersen

Adapted by

Nancy Harris

Directed by

Becky Deeks & Jo Gleave

Assistant Direction by

Zeina Archibald

Movement Direction by

Keiren Hamilton-Amos

Price

From £13.50
A transaction fee of £3.50 applies on all payment types.

Special Offers

Aged 16 to 25 Discounted tickets are available for this production for registered 16-25 members for performances on Wed 1 – Fri 3 Jul . T&Cs apply – Find Out More

Festival Multi-Buy Offer

Book 3 or more Rep Rising festival events and save 33% off your booking. Offer will apply automatically in basket.

Access Performances

All performances are captioned.

Running Time

Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.

Curtain Raiser

There will be a curtain raiser performance called The Shoes performed by Kings Heath School before the performance on Wed 1 Jul at 11am.

Age Guidance

Please note, no under 5s will be admitted into the auditorium.

Content Advice

Please note, this production contains themes of death and violence.

About Rep Studio 8

This new actor training programme will offer 8 performers from The Company the opportunity to take part in advanced actor training.

Throughout the programme, participants will work closely together in rehearsals, try out new techniques in fun and practical workshops, and receive personal guidance from experienced professionals. It’s a hands-on, supportive opportunity for performers to grow in confidence, stretch their abilities, and shine on stage.