Black Swan State Theatre Company is set to present the captivating production of Meow Meow's The Red Shoes, starring the acclaimed Australian-born international cabaret sensation Meow Meow. The show will grace the stage at His Majesty's Theatre as part of Perth Festival 2026, offering audiences a unique blend of song, dance, and theatrical spectacle.
A Fairy Tale Reimagined
Meow Meow, known for her innovative takes on classic stories, has previously reinterpreted Hans Christian Andersen's tales in shows like Meow Meow's Little Match Girl and Meow Meow's Little Mermaid. For this latest venture, she collaborates with Black Swan State Theatre Company's artistic director Kate Champion to create Meow Meow's The Red Shoes. The production premiered at Sydney's Belvoir St Theatre in October 2025, followed by a Melbourne season at Malthouse Theatre, before making its way to Perth.
Perth Festival Highlights
This month, Meow Meow heads west, packing her red pointe shoes for Perth Festival 2026. In addition to The Red Shoes, she will participate in other festival events, including Perth Symphony Orchestra's David Bowie tribute Rebel Rebel at the East Perth Power Station on February 13, and a one-night-only show at Perth Town Hall's The Embassy on February 15 with former Perth Festival artistic director Iain Grandage.
Delving into Andersen's World
Steering clear of the 1948 film adaptation, which Meow Meow regards as perfection, she has woven her magic directly from Andersen's original text. She finds his fairy tales unsettling and aims to reinterpret them, exploring themes of vanity, greed, and societal consumption. As Meow Meow, also known as WA Academy of Performing Arts alumna Melissa Madden Gray, explains, the production interrogates why dance isn't seen as a cure rather than a punishment in the story.
A Multi-Layered Performance
While the show may appear beautiful on the surface, Meow Meow emphasizes that its journey delves into deeper issues, reflecting on modern society's polarization and righteousness. Described as a dark and funny piece that is physically demanding, the performance resonates with contemporary audiences, offering a treasure trove of human complexity.
Special Venue and Season Details
Meow Meow believes the production will be particularly special at His Majesty's Theatre, a venue she describes as a unique space that she aims to transform. Meow Meow's The Red Shoes will run from February 26 to March 1, with tickets available through Black Swan State Theatre Company's website.
