Review: Sleeping Beauty Ballet at The Bord Gais Theatre

Sleeping Beauty?– a lovely princess who falls asleep for 100 years when a wicked witch casts a spell on her. Only the arrival of Prince Charming can restore her to life and love.

The fairy tale is a popular bed time story. But in Matthew Bourne’s production, with music by Tchaikovsky, we find a few twists in the tail.

Irish audiences were treated last year to the choreographer’s hugely successful production of Swan Lake, a new take on the classical ballet at the Bord Gais Theatre. Premiered in 2012, Sleeping Beauty has won several awards and has just arrived in Dublin. The opening night was packed on Tuesday 10th November?with an audience of all ages.

The original story was composed by the French writer Charles Perrault in the late 17th century. Bourne stages his version in 1910 and 2010, cleverly bringing a contemporary touch to the tale.

The Matthew Bourne version is brought to Dublin by New Adventure Associates. Lez Brotherston has provided superb sets and costumes, Paule Constable atmospheric lighting and Paul Groothuis supervised the music. Although the music is not live from an orchestra, there is an excellent recording. As with every ballet,? the ballerinas of the production are the true stars.

This is a magical performance and continues at the Bord Gais Theatre Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th November at 7.30 pm.( Matinee Wednesday 2.30?pm?Tickets 20-60 euro at www.bordgaistheatre.ie

BY Michael Collins