A decade since it premiered at Sadler’s Wells, Sir Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty is an irresistible and spellbinding gothic fairytale which thrills from start to finish.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, this reworked story has considerably more drama and purpose than the original Sleeping Beauty ballet. 

Bourne’s magnificent interpretation of the classic fairytale treats us to vampire-like fairies and sinister characters. It also features an uplifting romance that sees Princess Aurora (Ashley Shaw) actually choose the man she loves -  the royal gamekeeper, Leo (Andrew Monaghan) - rather than fall for some random stranger who happens to be a prince and kisses her!

When the princess falls asleep for a hundred years, Leo is turned into a vampire to survive the long wait for her to wake up.

The show’s pacy style and superb sets create beautifully atmospheric scenes. A stand-out among these is Aurora’s coming-of-age party, with the dancers in classic white dress and the princess trying to hide her love for the gamekeeper from her many suitors.

Shaw is sensational in the title role, and the chemistry with Monaghan imbues the production with a tangible and passionate energy. The dynamic dancing throughout has a wild vigour that perfectly suits the unpredictable look and style of this unique ballet.

Special mention must go to Ben Brown. His portrayal of the malevolent Carabosse - the vengeful vampire-fairy in the first act - is among the show’s many highlights. So, too, is his performance as her son, Caradoc - Leo’s love rival, who exudes a brooding menace, especially in the nightclub-style scene in the final act.

If you like traditional fairytales that boast a delicious twist on the original plot, gorgeous sets and costumes, and a romance with a bit of bite, then this is the perfect production for you. 

Five stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Birmingham Hippodrome where the production continues to show until Saturday 11 February.