Last night, I had the pleasure of watching English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, and it was nothing short of magical. Ballet has always held a special place in my heart; there is a kind of enchantment in it that no other form of theatre can match. From the moment the music begins, you are transported into another world. Even if you’ve never been to a ballet before, the combination of music, movement, and storytelling sweeps you along, leaving everything else behind for a couple of glorious hours.
About Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty is a classical ballet created by choreographer Marius Petipa, composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and librettist Ivan Vsevolozhsky and inspired by Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairytale. It tells the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the wicked Carabosse to prick her finger and fall into a century-long sleep, only to be awakened by Prince Désiré with the help of the Lilac Fairy.
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Premiering at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in 1890, it quickly became famous for its demanding choreography, including Aurora’s breathtaking Rose Adagio. Over the decades, it has become a cornerstone of classical ballet, celebrated for its sweeping music, enchanting story, and timeless elegance.
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My Review of The Sleeping Beauty
Describing perfection is tricky, but this ballet comes close. From the moment the curtain rose, I was completely captivated. The sets and costumes created a world of pure fantasy, blending light, shadow, and colour in a way that felt alive and immersive. The orchestra set the mood perfectly, and even before the dancers appeared, you could feel the anticipation ripple through the audience.
The costumes alone were spectacular. Each one is a work of art that brought the character to life. And the dancers! Their skill, precision, and expressiveness were mesmerizing. Every leap, turn, and gesture felt effortless, yet clearly the result of years of rigorous training. Together, the choreography, music, costumes, and sets created a performance that was explosive, captivating, and utterly unforgettable.
There was so much to take in. The intricate footwork, the perfectly timed choreography, the dazzling costumes, and the sweeping score all combined to create a magical evening that lifted both mind and heart.
Even for someone who isn’t a regular ballet-goer, Sleeping Beauty has a way of drawing you in. Completely, reminding you of the power of storytelling through music, movement, and imagination. Leaving the theatre, I felt inspired, uplifted, and still under its spell, a feeling that lingers long after the final curtain.
Where Can You See The English National Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
You can see Sleeping Beauty At The Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday, the 22nd November, with tickets from £15.00 plus booking fee.
Please note, I was gifted the tickets, but a review was optional. Also, see where to eat and park near the Palace Theatre, see more theatre reviews here.
