Bourne's take on Sleeping Beauty

The classic fairytale we all know and love becomes a gothic romance with a difference in the hands of Mr Bourne – a choreographer with his finger firmly on the zeitgeist.

While the original ballet was a sumptuous 19th century spectacle by Marius Petipa – one of the most influential figures in classical ballet’s history –Bourne’s re-interpretation uses compelling contemporary dance to awaken a world full of magic, fairies, vampires, evil curses and the love that conquers all in the end.

Bourne’s idiosyncratic style has won him global acclaim and, fittingly, he received a Knighthood for services to dance in the New Year Honours List 2016.

Sleeping Beauty completes a trilogy of Tchaikovsky re-imaginings created by the self-made dance dynamo for his company, New Adventures.

First, he gave us a deliciously witty Nutcracker set in a Dickensian orphanage.

Next came a Swan Lake that initially ruffled a few feathers with its ensemble of powerful male swans – yet became the longest running dance show ever.

Bourne’s clever take on Sleeping Beauty rationalises the tale, acknowledging the passing of time during the 100 years that Princess Aurora spends slumbering.

For emotional clout, Bourne sets up the blossoming romance between the young royal and her handsome beau before she dozes off – making the famous “true love’s kiss” that breaks the curse all the more believable. The quirky addition of vampires to the storyline then grants Aurora’s lover (who is, refreshingly, the game-keeper and not a prince) the immortality required to follow her through the decades so that he can be there to wake her up. Genius!

The production even throws puppetry into the mix as Bourne gives baby Aurora – normally safely ensconced in an elaborately decorated cradle for the christening scene during the first Act of the classical ballet – a starring role.
Expect to be amazed (perhaps slightly disconcerted) to see this wilful infant crawling across the stage, scaling the curtains and keeping the dancers on their toes.

Principal Dancer Dominic North plays the role of Leo, the royal gamekeeper who falls head over heels in love with Aurora just before she comes of age and is afflicted by the evil Carabosse’s curse.He said: “This take on the classic fairy tale has so much going for it.

“Like all Matthew Bourne’s work there are some really clever twists and the characters are so well developed.

“I love that our Princess Aurora is a real wild child – you see that in the baby puppet and then when the grown-up Aurora is on stage she is still a bit of a rebel!

“The relationship between her and Leo is almost a bit Wuthering Heights or Lady Chatterley’s Lover – which is exciting to dance and portray.

“Our Sleeping Beauty definitely has something for everyone whether you are a die-hard dance fan or not.

“It’s got a good story, good dancing, good music, good acting and humorous moments too – it’s light theatre at its very best. ”

We last saw Sleeping Beauty at Milton Keynes Theatre three years ago. 

Back by popular demand, it returns to the new city after a seasonal stint at Sadler’s Wells, London.

Let Matthew Bourne cast his spell over you from  Tuesday.

Book via www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call on 0844 871 7652.