The Red Shoes: Beyond the Mirror

‘Time rushes by, love rushes by, life rushes by, but the red shoes go on’

In our new BFI Southbank exhibition, we immerse ourselves in Powell and Pressburger’s mesmerising 1948 production The Red Shoes. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, it tells the story of a young woman whose desire is to become a leading dancer. Victoria Page (played by prima ballerina Moira Shearer) secures a transformative role at the Ballet Lermontov, that of a girl beguiled by a pair of magic red slippers. Gradually, the boundaries between fact and fiction blur as Page’s life intertwines with the feverish part she dances. Discover over 100 previously unseen costume and production designs, scripts, behind the scenes photographs and posters, alongside the iconic red ballet shoes featured in the film. The exhibition will also feature personal items owned by Moira Shearer and costumes from Matthew Bourne’s recent ballet adaptation.

It is set within a specially designed space that brings the film’s dazzling centrepiece – the Ballet Lermontov’s fantastical retelling of the Red Shoes story – spellbindingly to life. You can also take centre stage and fully immerse yourself in Moira Shearer’s world with interactive elements throughout the exhibition, including live performances across the opening weekend.

Free entry. Timed slots available Tuesday to Sunday. Advanced booking advised. Book in person at the box office, online or by phone from Thursday 21 September on 020 7928 3232 (lines open 11.30-8.30 daily).

The Red Shoes: Beyond the Mirror exhibition has been made possible due to generous support from the BFI Philanthropy Powell & Pressburger Consortium and Old Possum’s Practical Trust. Additional support has been provided by Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, Thriplow Charitable Trust and Idlewild Charitable Trust.