Following on from her critically acclaimed subversive, cabaret-inspired adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Match Girl and Little Mermaid, Australian post-post-modern diva and West End sell out sensation Meow Meow will premiere a brand new work inspired by the classic fairytale, The Red Shoes, at the Belvoir St Theatre from 4 October, before heading to Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre from 19 November 2025.
The Red Shoes brutally punished its covetous protagonist with an ever-dancing curse that propelled her far from heaven’s gates. Meow Meow asks: what if she could never start dancing at all? Can we save her? Can we save the world?!
Directed by choreographer and artistic director of Black Swan Theatre Company Kate Champion (Black Swan’s Prima Facie), this musical celebration features Kanen Breen (Opera Australia’s The Marriage of Figaro, Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème on Broadway), Mark Jones (Bell Shakespeare’s The School for Wives) and Dan Witton (Meow Meow at Carnegie Hall, State Theatre Co’s The Tempest).
“Here’s a treat. If you’ve seen Meow’s other great takes like The Little Mermaid or Little Match Girl, you’ll know there’s sophisticated silliness and seductive allure, combined with astonishing renderings of some great songs, old and new,” said Belvoir’s Artistic Director, Eamon Flack.
“Meow sells out wherever she goes, from Carnegie Hall to Spiegeltents around the world – I’m sure the Belvoir stage will be a perfect fit for her newest extravaganza,” said Flack.
“There will be sparkles and feathers and mirrors… but what Meow Meow has is an intellectual approach in amongst all the frivolity, humour and sensuality. It is for the hearts and the minds of the audience, and possibly a few more body parts as well,” said Director, Kate Champion.
From a chorus of hairy fauns to singing swans and showgirl stars, experience an unforgettable, frenetic song-and-dance into meaning.
Director: Kate Champion | Creator & Performer: Meow Meow | Featuring: Kanen Breen, Mark Jones, Dan Witton, Jethro Woodward | Set & Costume Designer: Dann Barber | Lighting Designer: Rachel Burke | Musical Director & Sound Designer: Jethro Woodward
Meow Meow’s The Red Shoes
Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season: 8 October – 9 November 2025 (previews: 4 – 7 October)
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Merlyn Theatre – Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 21 November – 6 December 2025 (previews: 19 – 20 November)
Information and Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
Image: Meow Meow – photo by Karl Giant