Stunning version of classic story

Sleeping Beauty, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Lowry.
This is considered one of the greatest ballets from Imperial Russia.

With familiar music from Tchaikovsky and choreography from Sir Peter Wright, the opening night was a stunning step back in time to the music and dance which entertained the Tsars.

The production is truly lavish, with a cast of over 80 in beautiful hand-sewn costumes dancing before grand baroque settings.

Sir Peter’s choreography is based on the original work by Marius Petipa, and is traditional, yet combined with modern, athletic young dancers, produces a delivery which seems effortless, light as a feather, yet precise and strong.

The story is of the beautiful Princess Aurora, delightfully danced by the diminutive Nao Sakuma, who is cursed by the wicked fairy Carabosse, a dramatic performance by Marion Tait.

When she pricks her finger on a poisoned spindle, she seems doomed to die but Aurora is saved by the Lilac Fairy (Andrea Tredinnick) and sleeps for 100 years.

Trapped in her castle, Aurora is surrounded by wall of thorns and thick forest. All she needs is a Prince Charming to kiss her and break the spell.

Last night’s Prince (Iain Mckay) was athletic and charming, a tall foil to his tiny Princess.

It is a very traditional production and Tchaikovsky’s music is well known, but the overall feeling was not stuffy or stale, but fresh and charming.

Designer Philip Prowse has created a stunning baroque world, with rich gold, copper, gilt and bronzes mingling in the sets and costumes to produce opulence and style, with a stunning tableau finale worthy of a Van Dyke oil painting.

The ballet continues in the Lyric Theatre until Saturday.