There are two things you get when you see a Matthew Bourne ballet: First and foremost, an incredible company of performers. The dancers are always of the highest calibre and put their heart and soul into each show. Secondly, Sir Matthew knows how to tell a story, particularly when it comes to re-working a classic tale.
MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY, at the Wales Millennium Centre this week delivers on both those counts bringing a new magic to Tchaikovsky’s incredible music.
We were there for the opening performance of what is a much-loved favourite in Matthew’s company New Adventures repertoire.
It’s also the ‘TIN‘ anniversary of this production of Sleeping Beauty, ten years since it was first performed at Sadlers Wells in London. Although the symbol of 10 years is tin, this ballet feels more like a diamond, with more sparkle than the Koninoor (the most expensive diamond in the world). And, like the aforementioned, which was given priceless status due to its excellence, brilliance and unique cut, it’s fair to say Sleeping Beauty has all the same qualities.
As usual, we’ll give you our review in a moment, but here’s what the opening night audience thought of this production……
Were sure most of you know the story of Sleeping Beauty which was originally written in around 1340, with Charles Perrault’s late 17th-century version of the story being the basis for the original 1890 ballet.
What we see on stage has all the elements of that classic story, with a score which is instantly recognisable. What really brings this tale to life however, is the humour, charm and madcap kookiness of this top-flight production.
That is all down to the incredible imagination of director and choreographer Matthew Bourne and his regular team at New Adventures. LEZ BROTHERSTON (Set & Costume Design), PAUL GROOTHUIS (Sound Design), PAULE CONSTABLE (Lighting) and ETTA MURFITT (Associate Director). There are many more in the team too – HERE.
I think it’s fair to say you don’t go to a Matthew Bourne production solely for the ballet, although the dancing in Sleeping Beauty is both energetic and dynamic. This is a complete theatrical experience.
Matthew spoke about this a few years ago, and I think it qualifies what this production is all about – he said……
“I put theatre first when I’m making a piece. I see myself as a man of the theatre and non-verbal storytelling is what my form of theatre is.”
We enter a wondrous world of magical fairies and vampires, where the timeless tale of good vs evil is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder. Will Princess Aurora ever find her true love again?
Ironically, our heroine Aurora misses some of the action because she’s either a baby in a crib, played beautifully by a well operated doll, as you can see in the picture below. The baby is superb, I can’t put it any other way. As you saw in the audience reaction, we all loved the baby. I do want to mention DAISY MAY KEMP who breathes life into her role as the Nanny with a few well placed gestures and movements.
Of course Aurora is also having a bit of a sleep, but thanks to some well written dream like sequences, she is able to dance, as she does so beautifully. When she does eventually wake she has to come to terms with how the world has changed – well it would if you’ve been out of it for a hundred years or so.
ASHLEY SHAW is Princess Aurora and is show stealing incredible. She glides, floats and flies effortlessly across the stage. She also has the child like innocence which transitions so well from baby doll into young woman. Leo, the Royal Gamekeeper is played by ANDREW MONAGHAN, who again dances superbly.
The rest of the main players in this fine company includes DANNY REUBENS (King Benedict) and KAYLA COLLYMORE (Queen Eleanor). PARIS FITZPATRICK is Count Lilac, BEN BROWN is both Carabosse (The Dark Fairy) and Caradoc (Son of Carabosse). DOMINIC NORTH and CHRISTOPHER THOMAS.
This is a large, and extremely talented company, you can check the full cast HERE. We would recommend you grab yourself a programme when you get to the WMC and make sure you check out the full cast listing which is on the right hand entrance (as you approach the building).
Ten years since its premier Sleeping Beauty couldn’t feel more up to date. It’s almost 12 months since we had Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker on the Donald Gordon stage, with all its Knickerbocker Glory colourful fantasy festive magic. We certainly have fantasy now, albeit darker and gothic. This is a real good versus evil story filled with big characters, mesmerising dancing and an occasional irreverent take on the original story.
Aurora feels more complex in this production than she is portrayed in the original story. Having a couple of vampires into the mix adds a new element to the plot and certainly seemed to delight the excited audience in the theatre last night. Of course, not all vampires are a pain in the neck, some are quite nice, as in the case of Leo. I really love the idea of our Princess falling for a man who has survived a 100 years, rather than some Princely fella giving her a well placed smooch as she swoons into his arms.
Sleeping Beauty is filled with heart and passion and has some real gentle comedic moments, particularly with the superbly handled baby Aurora puppet. As the baby grows into a real, proper young lady, we get some awe-inspiring dancing from Ashley, who captures the free spirit of the doll. There’s also some beautifully danced tender moments as she falls in love with gamekeeper Leo (Andrew Monaghan).
Matthew has written a different timeframe for the story, and I think it’s all the better for it. Baby Aurora is christened in 1890 with her 21st coming-of-age celebrations in 1911. When she finally wakes we are pretty much in the present day. The vampiric element makes this all the more plausible, unless you try to tell me that vampires aren’t real.
I said earlier this production feels like a complete theatrical experience, but it’s in the second half when things really come to life. The story moves into a love war/revenge thing and because we’re brought bang up to date, we move into a fashionable nightclub.
You think you’d miss a live orchestra, something we’ve come to expect in our theatres, but actually, you don’t. The dancers are completely in touch with Tchaikovsky’s score and you lose none of the feel or passion you get from a live sound.
It’s easy to see why this production of Sleeping Beauty is a huge hit with audiences and critics, and has endured for so long in its current incarnation. If you pardon the vampire reference, I’d stick my neck out and say this is one of Matthew Bourne’s finest shows. Given a chance I’d take another bite of this little beauty while it’s in town.
MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 4th February. Performances are at 7:30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday (audio described). Tickets start at £18 and if you haven’t yet dipped you toes into ballet, this is a fantastic place to start. For more details and tickets, go HERE.
You can also check out our original feature on the show and Matthew Bourne HERE.
