Review - Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty at Milton Keynes Theatre

It sees a royal couple ask for help to conceive a child from Carabosse,the Dark Fairy. Bad move. When their little girl is born, gratitude is in short supply, so Carabosse gets her own back - big time.

Anyone expecting a straight adaptation will probably be disappointed. Matthew Bourne’s take on the show sees plot and character take just as much importance as the choreography.

It says everything for the experimental tone of the piece in that its stylings can go from A Midsummer Night’s Dream to The Importance of Being Earnest and finishing with the seductive wickedness of the Moulin Rouge.

But throughout it all, the dancing is of the very highest standard and the energy and drama each of the performers put into their characters.

There is plenty to enjoy in this theatrical adaptation of a classic fairy tale and something that dance fans will fall in love with.

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty can be seen until Saturday. Tickets for the show can be booked by calling the box office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.