Wake up and see ballet (From Northwich Guardian)

Wake up and see ballet

2:00pm Wednesday 23rd April 2008 in Theatre & arts By Staff reporter

VIENNA Festival Ballet returns to Northwich with the famous Tchaikovsky ballet Sleeping Beauty.

The production has new choreography and stunning new glittery and colourful costumes.

Incensed at being snubbed at the christening of Princess Aurora, the wicked fairy Carabosse lays a curse on the child, proclaiming that she will one day pierce her finger and die.

But the Lilac Fairy intervenes, and when the fateful day arrives, the princess and the entire palace fall into a deep sleep instead.

A century later, Prince Florimund is guided to the castle by the Lilac Fairy, overcoming the obstacles created by Carabosse, and awakening the sleeping princess with a kiss.

It is love at first sight, the palace awakens and a parade of fairytale characters attends the royal wedding.

Re-staged and choreographed for the Vienna Festival Ballet by Shirley Graham, ex Ballerina of Festival Ballet, and Ballet Master Chris Wright, this production is faithful to the original choreography.

Luscious scenery and costumes designed by Alan Sievewright add glamour and finesse to the ballet.

Children are invited on stage or in the auditorium after the performance to meet the dancers and see the costumes.

The ballet takes place at Northwich Memorial Hall on Friday, May 2, starting at 7pm. Tickets, priced from £8 to £16, are available by calling 01606 814640.