Ballet Shoes

Synopsis

Orphans Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are adopted by eccentric explorer Professor Matthew Brown ('Gum'), and raised as sisters by his selfless niece Sylvia. When Gum goes missing, Sylvia makes ends meet by taking in lodgers, whose actions change their lives forever.

The girls are enrolled in theatre school and put to work on the stage. This suits ambitious Pauline who longs to act, and Posy, a natural dancer, but Petrova, who longs to be an aviator, suffers great frustration and disappointment. Life in showbusiness is shot through with triumph, but hearts are broken and lessons learned before Gum returns and ensures a happy ending for all.

Credits

Sylvia Brown

Emilia Fox

Nana

Victoria Wood

Pauline Fossil

Emma Watson

Petrova Fossil

Yasmin Paige

Posy Fossil

Lucy Boynton

Great Uncle Matthew

Richard Griffiths

Mr Simpson

Marc Warren

Theo Dane

Lucy Cohu

Dr Jakes

Gemma Jones

Dr Smith

Harriet Walter

Madame Fidolia

Eileen Atkins

Winifred

Heather Nicol

Miss Jay

Mary Stockley

Clara

Teresa Churcher

Young Sylvia

Skye Bennett

Director

Sandra Goldbacher

Producer

Piers Wenger

Writer

Heidi Thomas

Broadcasts

1. Wed 26 Dec 2007
   20:30
   BBC One
2. Mon 29 Dec 2008
   15:00
   BBC One