Coram’s adoptive families, supporters and guests were invited to join special events at the National Theatre on 15 January, to mark Big Adoption Day 2025. This included a panel discussion on adoption, hosted by broadcaster James O’Brien, who shared his own experiences of being adopted.
Nadine Higgin (Theo Dane), Grace Saif (Pauline Fossil), Daisy Sequerra (Posy Fossil) and Yanexi Enriquez (Petrova Fossil). Photo: Manuel Harlan
The National Theatre’s collaboration with Coram coincides with its new production of Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfeild’s classic tale about three adopted sisters and their found family, which runs until 22 February.
To celebrate Big Adoption Day, adoptive families and supporters were invited to the matinee and evening performances of Ballet Shoes. There were also Ballet Shoes themed activities for children to take part in, and guests attended bespoke tours of the National Theatre, giving a glimpse behind the scenes of Ballet Shoes to discover the backstage magic and team that bring the show to life.
A panel discussion on the themes of the show and the adoption process today, was hosted by James O’Brien, with Carol Homden, CEO of Coram, Katy Rudd, Director of Ballet Shoes and Zoe Lambert, an adopted young person, sharing their insights and experience. The collaboration and Big Adoption Day was covered widely in the media, with coverage across Big Issue, Netmums, Smiley News and Mother & Baby.
Big Adoption Day panellists (L-R) Dr Carol Homden, CEO of Coram, Kate Varah, Executive Director of the National Theatre, Zoe Lambert, Katy Rudd, Director of Ballet Shoes and James O’Brien
Carol Homden CEO of Coram, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the National Theatre around this exciting new production, giving adopted children and their families a special opportunity to experience the magic of the show and shining a spotlight on adoption at a time when we need more loving families to come forward for the growing numbers of children waiting.”
As part of the collaboration, the National Theatre also worked with Coram to offer discounted tickets to members of The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) who reached out to adoptive families across the country to see the show.
Zoe and Frances, both aged nine, had opportunity to see Ballet Shoes as young reviewers for Coram and both rated it 4.5/5. Zoe said: “I thought it was amazing. Petrova’s flying was excellent and Jai’s dancing was funny. One of the best bits was the way it shows that it doesn’t really matter if you’re not actually sisters, you can still be a family.”
Frances said: “Ballet Shoes was fantastic and unlike any theatrical show I’ve seen before because it had the same background but they made it look like different places. I liked the way the three Fossils felt like they were sisters and were treated the way any sisters through blood would be treated. I also loved the way it looked like the dancing came to them so naturally and how they all have different dreams.”
Daisy Sequerra (Posy Fossil) and the company of Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre. Photo: Manuel Harlan
Read more about Coram’s collaboration with the National Theatre