Conceived by Artistic Director Ashley Page and designer Antony McDonald, the creative team behind Scottish Ballet’s hugely successful productions of The Nutcracker (2003) and Cinderella (2005), The Sleeping Beauty is the third of a trilogy of ballets with a fairytale theme, re-imagined with fresh relevance for a contemporary audience, and is presented with the delicious twists, devilish wit and stunning visuals synonymous with their creative partnership.

"Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who were grieved, more grieved than words can tell, because they had no children. They tried the waters of every country, made vows and pilgrimages, and did everything that could be done, but without result. At last, however, the queen found that her wishes were fulfilled, and in due course she gave birth to a daughter."

Charles Perrault; La Belle au Bois dormant (The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood)

Princess Aurora is born into an enchanted world where mortal members of Europe’s sovereign court mingle with the celestial beings of the forest. While at the Royal baby’s christening, each of the kingdom’s fairies gift the child a number of virtues including truth, grace, beauty, intelligence and kindness.

A jealous fairy, fallen from grace watches on, enraged that she was not invited to join the celebrations, and casts the ultimate curse, that Aurora will, on her 16th birthday, prick her finger and die. Countering the spell, the Lilac Fairy declares that a profound slumber for 100 years can save the innocent child, until she is woken by a truelove kiss.

Featuring sections of the original choreography by Marius Petipa, Scottish Ballet’s new version unfolds through the kaleidoscopic perspective of over one hundred years. The Sleeping Beauty showcases a spectrum of fashions, from the simple elegance of 1830s Regency style and the opulent glamour of neo-gothic Victorian dress, through to the austere silhouette of 1940s post-war Europe, with Antony McDonald’s artistic vision rendering them by turns graceful, stylish and outrageous. The stunning sets create whole new worlds of magic and mystery, from the King and Queen’s beautiful garden to the enchanted forest through which the Prince travels to find his true love.
Scottish Ballet dancers will be accompanied by the full Scottish Ballet Orchestra, bringing to life the musical motifs full of exquisite poetic images in Tchaikovsky’s soaring and passionate composition.

Speaking on how Tchaikovsky’s score inspired him to retell the story of The Sleeping Beauty, Page comments, “Part of the reason for re-conceiving the ballet is to listen to the music with fresh ears and illuminate things that I think, perhaps, haven’t been illuminated before. This can be anything from subtle little details of the rhythmic structure happening underneath the melody to larger-scale links and references.”

The Sleeping Beauty is sponsored by Bank of Scotland who have enjoyed a successful partnership with Scottish Ballet for over 20 years. Sarah Cran, Head of Sponsorship at HBOS said: "We are delighted to continue with our support of The Sleeping Beauty following its tremendous success last year. Our funding not only supports the production but also enables Scottish Ballet’s education team to engage with over 3,000 young people across Scotland during the tour".


DID YOU KNOW?

The Sleeping Beauty was first choreographed by Marius Petipa, Ballet master of the Imperial Ballet, Russia in 1890, and is based on the 1697 classic story by fairy-tale forefather Charles Perrault.

This new version of the tale from Company Artistic Director, Ashley Page sees Princess Aurora awakening in 1946, itself a tribute to the seminal post-war production that re-opened the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden following the Second World War. The production was danced by the Sadler’s Wells Ballet (who were later to become Royal Ballet) with Margot Fonteyn in the role of Aurora.

There are 5 leading casts that tour this production, with a Company of 42 dancers, 67 members of the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, 2 conductors, 13 full-time members of Scottish Ballet staff (Artistic, Technical, Wardrobe, Stage Management and a masseur) and 7 temporary members of staff , The Sleeping Beauty tour will see over 130 people on the road!

The Company uses an estimated 1,170 pairs of ballet shoes in both the rehearsal and performance period of a full length ballet.

Each tutu alone requires up to 40 hours of work and in excess of 10 metres of net, and with over 8000 individually hand applied sequins, 299 different fabrics and over 200 costumes being made for the production - it’s no wonder that skilled shoe and costume makers throughout Europe were sought to help create the magic of what is sure to be this year’s most decadent festive production.

Scottish Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty is sprinkled with fairy tale references … see if you can spot your favourite characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White!

At Eden Court 14–17 Jan 2009
14–17 Jan at 7.30pm; 15 and 17 Jan at 2pm
Tickets £14–£28
Audio described performance Sat 17 Jan at 2pm preceded by a touch tour.
Family Insight Sat 17 Jan at 11am. (£5 ticket / £3 concession / £12 family of 4)
Free pre-show talks with Artistic Director Ashley Page on Thu 15 Jan at 6.30pm and with Resident Conductor Richard Honner on Fri 16 Jan at 6.30pm. Please call the Box Office to reserve tickets.
Box Office 01463 234 234
Book Online www.eden-court.co.uk