RSC's The Red Shoes: A Bewitching Yet Confusing Holiday Production

Nancy Harris's adaptation of Andersen's tale offers a visually stunning yet narratively muddled experience for audiences.

The Red Shoes, directed by Kimberley Rampersad, is the RSC's festive production, featuring a modern take on Hans Christian Andersen's classic story.
Nancy Harris's adaptation shifts the focus from religious themes to a more secular, folkish narrative with a contemporary setting.
The production is visually captivating, with lush costumes and set designs by Colin Richmond, though it struggles with narrative clarity and cohesion.
Nikki Cheung stars as Karen, an orphan whose journey with the enchanted red shoes is both mesmerizing and bewildering for younger audiences.
While the show finds its rhythm in the second half, critics note the first half's overemphasis on certain elements detracts from the overall experience.