Where To See The Northern Ballet Little Red Riding Hood Show For Children

Trying to find a brilliant day out for the family can sometimes feel like a mission. Especially something a bit different, something that gets the kids away from a screen but doesn't involve a three-hour car journey ending in tears.

What if there was a way to introduce them to the magic of live performance without the worry of them getting fidgety? That's where the latest offering from Northern Ballet comes in. They are bringing a classic fairy tale to life with a twist, and it's a show designed from the ground up with little ones in mind. This isn't just any ballet; it's a story of friendship and kindness, perfect for a first trip to the theatre.

A familiar story with a fresh spin

Everyone knows the story of Little Red Riding Hood. The little girl, the red cloak, the walk through the woods, the grandmother, and the big, bad wolf. But what if the wolf isn't quite as 'big and bad' as the old tales make out? Northern Ballet is reimagining this classic story for a modern audience. Their version focuses on a kind little girl who loves her family. On her journey, she meets a wolf in the woods, but this isn't just a scary encounter. The ballet explores whether he's really a villain or perhaps just very, very hungry. It's a playful and charming retelling which puts fun and friendship centre stage, asking a simple question: can we show a little kindness even to those who seem scary at first? It's a wonderful message wrapped up in a beautiful production.

This production of Little Red Riding Hood is a ballet which aims to charm and entertain children without being intimidating. The narrative is clear, fun, and easy for young minds to follow, making it an ideal introduction to the world of ballet and theatre.

Perfectly paced for little people

Let's be honest, the thought of taking young children to a full-length ballet can be a bit stressful. The long running times and quiet auditoriums aren't always a great mix for energetic kids. Northern Ballet gets this. It's why their ballets for children are so special. The Little Red Riding Hood ballet has an estimated running time of just 40 minutes.

That's about the length of two episodes of their favourite cartoon. It's the perfect amount of time to captivate them, tell a complete story, and finish before the wriggling begins. It's a bite-sized piece of culture designed specifically for a younger attention span. These family-friendly ballets offer a fantastic opportunity to open up the world of live dance, music, and storytelling to a new generation, making the theatre a fun and exciting place to be, not a stuffy one.

A show that welcomes everyone

It's really important that everyone feels welcome at the theatre, and this is something Northern Ballet takes seriously. All venues on the Little Red Riding Hood tour will offer Relaxed Performances. But what does that mean? Basically, it's a show where the usual theatre rules are, well, relaxed. It's a 'no-shushing' zone. If a child needs to make a noise, move around, or leave and come back, that's completely fine. The atmosphere is less formal, which makes the whole experience more comfortable for anyone who might find a traditional theatre setting a bit much. This includes children with sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, or learning disabilities. It's about removing the anxiety and making sure every family can enjoy the magic of the performances.

Some venues will also offer Audio Described Performances. These performances are for audience members who are blind or visually impaired. A narrator, former Premier Dancer Pippa Moore MBE, will describe the action on stage, painting a picture with words of the dancers' movements, costumes, and expressions. It ensures that no one misses out on the story which is unfolding. It's this commitment that makes these performances more than just a show; they are a truly inclusive experience.

A history of brilliant ballets for children

Northern Ballet has been creating these wonderful ballets for children for over a decade. Little Red Riding Hood, which was first created back in 2019 by choreographer Mariana Rodrigues, is part of a whole family of award-winning productions. Perhaps you've heard of their other shows for children?

• Ugly Duckling
• Tortoise & the Hare
• Goldilocks & the Three Bears

These ballets have not only toured theatres, schools, and community centres across the country, but many have also been adapted for television. If you've ever watched a Northern Ballet production on CBeebies, you'll know the amazing quality and charm they bring. Their work has even won BAFTAs, so you can be sure this is a top-quality production. They have a real talent for telling stories through dance in a way that connects directly with children, making each ballet a memorable adventure.

Where and when to catch the show

The Little Red Riding Hood tour kicks off in Autumn 2025 and continues into Spring 2026, visiting several venues across the country. Tickets are now on sale for some dates, with more being released soon. The tour starts at home for Northern Ballet in Leeds, before heading to London and then continuing across the north of England.

Here's where you can see this delightful ballet:

City/Town	Venue	Date
Leeds	Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre	From October 2025
London	Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House	Following Leeds
Newcastle	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Hull	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Bradford	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Oxford	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Doncaster	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Durham	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Harrogate	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Huddersfield	Touring Spring 2026	Spring 2026

With tickets already on sale at some venues, it's a good idea to check the Northern Ballet website for the most up-to-date information on booking and future on-sale dates. This is a chance to make some lovely memories and give your children a little taste of the magic of live performance.