Sir Matthew Bourne one of the UK's most popular and successful choreographer and director has the midas touch, on the opening night in Bristol it was a privilege to watch his inspired and exquisite stage presentation of The Red Shoes adapted from the 1948 film by Powell and Pressburger starring Moira Shearer.

A story of a young ballerina Victoria Page (Ashley Shaw) whose red dancing shoes won't let her stop dancing, her dream is to be the greatest dancer in the world falls in love with Julian Craster (Chris Trenfield) a struggling composer and forces her to choose between him and ballet impressario Boris Lermontov (Sam Archer).

Such were the divine costumes and stunning sets brilliantly designed by Lez Brotherston through the imaginative and creative use of  a proscenium arch that follows the action that takes place in London and the French Riviera in the late 1940's it felt like ballet within a ballet as the story unfolded - outstanding.

The choreography from the beach scene in Monte Carlo complete with swimming costumes from back in the day, beach balls, young love and the sounds associated with the beach to the seedy East End of London it was a dazzling evening enhanced by the wonderful score, sound and lighting.

Ashley Shaw's dancing is world class as the love torn, tragic Victoria, superbly supported by the entire cast.

What i adored about this production is the variety of dancing that includes ballroom and even a comical Egyptian sand dance section.

This fabulous production is an experience not to be missed - runs until Saturday, 8th April.