REVIEW: Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty. A New Adventures Production: Liverpool Empire
On Tuesday 16th Feb, Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty opened for it's press night performance at the Liverpool Empire. After being delighted by the magnificent Nutcracker, I was excited to see how the Gothic fairy tale would unfold before my eyes.
Sleeping Beauty is a New Adventures production as were Nutcracker and Swan Lake. These were two of the most popular dance productions ever created back in the early 90's so it is no surprise that the genius that is Bourne returned to Tchaikovsky in 2012 to complete the trilogy with his interpretation of Sleeping Beauty.
King Benedict (Glen Graham) and Queen Eleanor (Daisy May Kemp) are gifted a child by the name of Aurora by Carabosse the dark fairy. However when the king and queen forget to show their gratitude, the dark fairy plots her evil revenge which sees Princess Aurora cursed to sleep for 100 years. Bourne portrays Aurora as a feisty, nature-loving wild child who is happy running through the forest barefoot at at one with nature rather than parading around in a tiara and ballgown so representative of the traditional image of a princess. Ashley Shaw in this principal role displays this aspect of Princess Aurora's character so beautifully and passionately. Ashley is simply divine and her performance is faultless.
This is a classic good versus evil story with a deliciously modern twist. It is a story of growth and re-birth and a true rites of passage story. Fairies and vampires fill the stage through the course of the performance adorned in beautiful costumes executing the most technically perfect ballet moves.
The set is sumptuous and outstanding in its beauty and construction; so reminiscent of a fairy tale. The audience truly feels a part of the performance and the three dimensional depth and all encompassing feel of the set along with sweeping drapes and ornate pillars entices you into the magical fairytale.
The performance consists of four acts; 1890, 1911, 2011 and yesterday. We watch as Princess Aurora who is cursed by the dark fairy Carabosse falls in love with Leo (Chris Trenfield) the Royal gamekeeper. On her 16th birthday, she falls foul of Caradoc the son of Carabosse who is played by the brooding Tom Clark.
A deal ensues with Count Lilac, the king of the fairies and we watch as he devastated Leo seizes his chance to rescue his sleeping lover. The chemistry between Ashley Shaw and Chris Trenfield is mesmerising to say the least. I was absolutely captivated throughout as I watched the pair dance with passion and emotion.
The fairies were simply marvellous, each representative of something, namely passion, rebirth, plenty, spirit and temperament. The choreography was en pointe and the delivery fantastic.
The performance was breathtaking, mesmerising, exhilarating and magnificent, so worthy of a five gold stars. You simply must go and see this absolute beauty of a show. I promise you this, you will be on the edge of your seat and you certainly will not be sleeping.
Sleeping Beauty runs at the Empire until Saturday 20th February and tickets can be purchased here
Running Time: 2hr 20 mins
Sleeping Beauty is a New Adventures production as were Nutcracker and Swan Lake. These were two of the most popular dance productions ever created back in the early 90's so it is no surprise that the genius that is Bourne returned to Tchaikovsky in 2012 to complete the trilogy with his interpretation of Sleeping Beauty.
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| Photo Credit: Simon Annand |
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| Photo Credit: Mikah Smillie |
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| Photo Credit: Mikah Smillie |
 |
| Photo Credit: Mikah Smillie |
 |
| Photo Credit: Mikah Smillie |
The fairies were simply marvellous, each representative of something, namely passion, rebirth, plenty, spirit and temperament. The choreography was en pointe and the delivery fantastic.
 |
| Photo Credit: Mikah Smillie |
 |
| Photo Credit: Simon Annand |
Sleeping Beauty runs at the Empire until Saturday 20th February and tickets can be purchased here
Running Time: 2hr 20 mins
 |
| Photo Credit: Simon Anand |
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