You will be swept away with Matthew Bourne’s latest masterpiece, the Gothic-inspired Sleeping Beauty which comes to Milton Keynes Theatre next week.
The choreographer return to the music of Tchaikovsky to complete the trio of the composer’s ballet masterworks that started in 1992 with Nutcracker! and, most famously, in 1995, with the international hit Swan Lake.
There are several characters not seen in Petipa’s famous ballet or Grimm’s fairy tale. The Royal Family is headed by King Benedict and Queen Eleanor. Princess Aurora’s romantic interest is not a Prince, but the royal gamekeeper, Leo (hang on, this sounds familiar!). Representing the central forces of good and evil are Count Lilac (the King of the Fairies) and the Dark Fairy Carabosse. In another innovation, Bourne has created the character of Caradoc, the sinister but charming son of Carabosse. Princess Aurora’s Fairy Godparents are named Ardor, Hiberna, Autumnus, Feral and Tantrum.
Matthew Bourne’s haunting new scenario is a Gothic tale for all ages. He has created a supernatural love story, across the decades, that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder.
Britain’s most popular dance showman works again with three of his regular collaborators and New Adventures Associate Artists; The Tony and Olivier Award-winning designers Lez Brotherston (Set and Costumes), Paule Constable (Lighting) and Paul Groothuis (Sound Design) who created the acclaimed surround-sound for last years hit production of Cinderella.
Sleeping Beauty runs from Jan 29 until Feb 2. For tickets and times call the box office 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes