The Sleeping Beauty, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Hippodrome - review and pictures
Birmingham Royal Ballet kept the audience spellbound with a glittering performance of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty.
All the elements of the traditional ballet were evident - opulent set, stunning costumes, magnificent music by the ever-impressive Royal Ballet Sinfonia - and, of course, outstanding dance.
From the bronze and gilded opening set to the wedding scene finale showered with gold, the show served up a splendid sight.
Momoko Hirata's Princess Aurora excelled during every moment she was on stage. In what must be one of the most technically demanding roles in ballet, she combined a delicate waif-like elegance with a steely balance and pinpoint-perfect execution of footwork.
She delivered a mesmerising performance with examples of breathtaking precision, including her stunning solos and the pas de deux with her Prince Florimund, danced impressively by Mathias Dingman.
Nao Sakuma's wicked fairy, Carabosse, responsible for cursing the Princess Aurora, was an excellent sinister character and a sharp contrast in style and costume to the equally expressive Jenna Roberts, who took on the role of the good fairy - the Lilac Fairy.
It always feels a privilege to see such a world-class company on the doorstep.
As magical as ever, this Birmingham Royal Ballet production is a dream to watch - no-one will want to sleep through this show.
Sleeping Beauty is on at Birmingham Hippodrome until February 24.
