Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty: A Gothic Romance

Matthew Bourne's interpretation of the classic ballet "Sleeping Beauty" reimagines the story in a gothic, supernatural setting. It follows the princess Aurora from her birth and christening, through her cursed 100-year slumber, to her awakening in a modern, yet still dark, world. The narrative explores themes of love, fate, and the battle between light and dark forces surrounding Aurora.

Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty was widely acclaimed by critics, who praised its innovative choreography, striking visual design, and dark, romantic narrative. Audiences were captivated by its unique twist on the familiar fairy tale, with many highlighting the blend of classical ballet with contemporary dance styles and Bourne's signature theatricality.

• Praised for its dark, fairy-tale atmosphere and imaginative reinterpretation of the classic story.
• Commended for Bourne's distinctive choreography and the production's rich visual design.
• Applauded for its blend of gothic horror and romantic storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the Sleeping Beauty legend.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the production's enchanting and dark atmosphere, with many appreciating Matthew Bourne's unique choreographic vision and the compelling narrative twist. The blend of classical and contemporary dance elements was frequently cited as a positive aspect.

None notable (as it is a stage production, traditional film awards do not apply)

In this version, Princess Aurora's curse is not just to sleep but to be transported to a darker realm, and she is awakened not by a kiss but by a young gamekeeper who stumbles into her hidden world centuries later.