Well, Sleeping Beauty is, put simply, a delight in nearly every respect. As is characteristic of Bourne's work, this is effortlessly accessible ballet and to some extent, contemporary dance. Where some pieces can get confusing in the storytelling, especially if it is a less familiar story, Bourne has a way of making you know exactly what is going on. Most people are familiar with Sleeping Beauty of course, so, that, on this occasion helps, as does the occasional projections moving the story forward.
What also helps is just how spectacularly this show initially grips the audience, and not with dance as you might expect. That comes later. However, first, we have a perfect interpretation of baby Aurora in the form of one of the best puppets I have seen in a while. This baby, in the hands of the puppeteers, from the company, has class, style, and moves. It is funny how something so simple could work so well, but this puppet alongside the members of the house pursuing the mischievous little baby through dance is oddly one of the best parts of the show. Sophia Hurdley as Miss Maddox, Aurora's Nanny is particularly impressive throughout this scene. It is comic class, and so, so unexpected.
The dancing, to be swift and easy on your time to read, is sublime. Those with a deeper knowledge of this as a reviewer would no doubt strive to comment on the sharpness and the specific moves. However, here, my knowledge doesn't lie. What I see, however, and judge here, is how special this piece of theatre is, full of energy and emotion.
Tchaikovsky's music is a constant presence as the story moves forward and the whole thing lives on Lez Brotherston's truly stunning set, and that along with his dazzling costumes creates a thing of beauty on the eye in itself. Paule Constable also lights the stage with a delightfully eerie air of mystery, truly gothic this is.
The company is magnificent and it feels churlish to single any out, however, having already done that with Hurdley, let us add how beautiful a performance Ashley Shaw provides as Princess Aurora. She has a believable relationship also with Stephen Murray's Leo. The scene of his hiding in her bed-chamber from the palace staff is a particularly lovely moment, full of humour and detail. I also liked Andrew Monaghan's prim and proper King Benedict. A little aloof, but with a lovely caring presence for his daughter. Finally, there is amazing strength and presence provided by Enrique Ngbokota in his role of Autumnus, one of the fairies. All of the fairies are brilliant in their own way, and it is excellent how they each get their own individual moment in the spotlight.
However, these quibbles do not take away how truly amazing this show is. Full of delightful performances full of character, stunning dancing to a wondrous stage backdrop. If you only ever see one ballet, you wouldn't go far wrong by choosing a Bourne production and in Sleeping Beauty, he and his team are at the top of their game.
A sublime and spectacular masterpiece that is a true feast for the eyes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
