SLEEPING BEAUTY | STAGE REVIEW
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 13 Mar
Birmingham Royal Ballet brought Sir Peter Wright’s beautiful production to life at the Wales Millennium Centre. The sheer scale of the production was immense: the costumes alone filled 40 rails, the tutus a mere 27 and the array of wigs racked up 100 in total. We know the story – good vs bad, princess vs wicked witch, purity triumphs over evil – but, in the process marvel over the spectacular storytelling and stunning choreography.
This was a visual feast even before the haunting orchestra plucked a string to the much-loved Tchaikovsky score. The set itself was magical – the interpretation of the palace through to the enchanted forest scenes was crafted with the utmost attention to detail, and with so much visual jiggery-pokery to take in, the experience was dazzling. The dancers were perfect: teeny in stature but displaying absolute control and effortless skill. (Well, it looks effortless but we all know how much training goes into each of these performances to create escapism for few hours for the appreciative audience.)
The wardrobe is, in fact, the largest and most complex that Birmingham Royal Ballet has undertaken, and this is no surprise having witnessed this stunning show. Sleeping Beauty truly is a beautiful, complex and stunning performance – a far more satisfying live experience than any flatscreen, iPad or any other given device.
words ANTONIA LEVAY