Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Director: Carlos Acosta
Musical Director and Conductor: Paul Murphy
Birmingham Royal Ballet have returned once more to The Lowry, this time with their current production of Peter Wright’s The Sleeping Beauty. This is classical ballet at it’s finest, with stunning choreography combined with Tchaikovsky’s wonderful score.
This is the age old fairy tale. The Princess Aurora is born to her parents King Florestan and his queen, but they have forgotten to invite the fairy Carabosse to the christening. In the midst of the celebrations Carabosse arrives and curses the baby princess. The Lilac Fairy , who was already in attendance, while unable to undo the curse is able to change it so that instead of dying when she pricks her finger, Aurora will fall asleep until wakened by the kiss of a handsome prince. Aurora grows up but on her 16th birthday she is handed a spindle and pricks her finger, then she and the entire court fall into deep slumber. One hundred years later the Lilac Fairy leads Prince Florimund to the castle and his kiss awakens the sleeping princess. The court restored, Aurora and her Prince are married.
As always with these huge productions there are several roles which are more symbolic than a dance role, but the King, Queen and courtiers/guests all provide an ensemble of grandeur and gentility. In a lot of classical ballet the requirement of mime is also important and here this is handled well and incorparated smoothly into the choreography.
There are a large number of principal and solo artists as attendants, fairies, entertainers and the such. All are excellent and are showcased to a high level. Special mention must go to Gus Payne and Isabella Howard as Puss in Boots and The White Cat. Eilis Small as the Lilac Fairy is both dazzling and effortlessly elegant, ensuring that she holds the audience’s attention on stage while Daria Stanciulescu is an imposing and dark presence as Carabosse. The two main principals are Max Maslen as Prince Florimund and Momoko Hirata as Aurora. Both give everything to their roles and their final pas de deux is evocative and beautiful.
Music is provided by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia under the direction of Conductor Paul Murphy. Live music is a vital part of the whole experience and the ballet’s own orhestra do not disappoint. Philip Prowse’s set is grand and the costumes are sumptuous from the over the top royal robes , the Lilac Fairy’s gorgeous gown and the intricate crafting of Aurora’s tutu.
Classical ballet may not be to the taste of everyone, but when done as excellently as here by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, it is always worth the experience.
Runs until 9th March 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Stunningly perfect
