Picture from hopestreet.co.uk

Originally published by L.S. Media. December 4th 2010.

Cast: Holly Wilson-Guy, Julie Langford, Harriet Leah Preston, Aiden Lee Brooks, Graham Geoffrey Hicks, Mike Idris.

The Unity Theatre may be one of the smaller theatres in Liverpool but the productions it puts on are as big as the heart at its core. Groundbreaking and enthusiastic, its successes are numerous and with The Red Shoes it looks as though they can chalk up another much loved production to their expanding list of theatre accomplishments.

Based on Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, The Red Shoes is a delight for all ages who like the idea of both a traditional fairy tale but with the added twist of morality and how to treat people correctly.

The story is excellently brought to life by a superb cast who throw their all into the characterization and feel of the play. Amongst them are Harriet Leah Preston as Grace, the girl with the shoe obsession and the glamour it can bring, the wonderful charismatic Aiden Lee Brooks as both the dreamer Charlie and Benny the smooth talking agent/cat and the excellent Julie Langford as the well meaning Norma and the sensational night club owner Ruby.

The subtle use of light and shadow is a credit to the stage direction and was used effectively by the cast, in some cases heightening the dramatic overtones immensely.

Even with the creepy force of the Shoemaker, portrayed gracefully by Mike Idris, being in the background and seemingly controlling young Grace’s life and career as a star, there is a lot of humour being played out between the superb members of the cast.

A play that everybody will love and will leave you both questioning what you would sell for fame and fortune and the reminder that people are normally decent and will forgive family for any fault.

Ian D. Hall