Last night I spent a glorious, magical couple of hours enjoying English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.
The Ballet is by far my favourite genre of theatre. Don’t get me wrong, I love nearly all that theatre brings. However, The Ballet is special; it has a magic that no other form of entertainment can bring. I have tried to explain this to friends, but it’s almost trance-inducing. Taking your mind away from everything, except for what is right there in front of you. The music fills your body and mind, enveloping you.
What You Will Find Here
About Sleeping Beauty
The Sleeping Beauty is a classical ballet created by choreographer Marius Petipa, composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and librettist Ivan Vsevolozhsky, inspired by Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairytale.
Following Princess Aurora (Emma Hawes), a young princess whose life is suddenly shadowed by the wicked Carabosse (James Streeter), who places a terrible curse on her at birth. On her sixteenth birthday, Aurora is destined to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep, century-long sleep.
Only the pure-hearted Prince Désiré (Aitor Arrieta), guided by the magical Lilac Fairy (Anri Sugiura), can break the spell and awaken her, bringing the kingdom back to life and restoring hope, joy, and love.
Premiering at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in 1890, it quickly became known for its demanding choreography, especially Aurora’s famous Rose Adagio. Over the following decades, the ballet spread across Europe and beyond, becoming a cornerstone of the classical repertoire.
Today, it remains one of the most celebrated and visually lavish ballets, cherished for its sweeping score, fairytale storytelling, and timeless elegance.
My Review
How do you describe perfection? From curtain rise, The Sleeping Beauty Ballet was exquisite. The set and costumes conjured the magic to create the perfect backdrop for the story. Evoking a sense of softness, darkness, and light that made you feel the mood. Complimented perfectly by the orchestra, which set the foundation of the mood and drew the audience in before the curtain rose.
The costumes are works of art alone. Add these to the magnificent talent of the company of dancers, and it was explosive. The combination of many elements of perfection created a truly unforgettable and magical theatrical experience that commands your full attention.
There was so much to take in, so much to look at, and I wanted to experience it all. Intricate footwork, perfectly choreographed dancers, costumes to die for. Plus a set and score that brought it all together in a glorious, magical package that takes your mind and emotions to another place.
Where Can You See The English National Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
You can see Sleeping Beauty At The Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday, the 22nd November, with tickets from £15.00 plus booking fee.
Please note, I was gifted the tickets, but a review was optional. Also, see where to eat and park near the Palace Theatre.
