With this in mind, I couldn't wait to go and see Matthew Bourne's interpretation of Sleeping Beauty at The Grand Opera House, and it definitely didn't disappoint.
The story begins in 1890, and is initially told through the use of large storybook letters being projected onto the curtain - a good way to both set the scene and get around the lack of dialogue in ballet.
Tchaikovsky's original score is magnificent; it's grand, it's dramatic and it's positively rich to listen to. Such a sumptuous score can only be accompanied by the finest costumes and set, and yet again Bourne delivers. The costumes are imaginative and detailed, and the set and backdrop is exactly the same. From the giant glowing moon in the background, to the conveyor belt on stage, to the forest of lights dangling from the ceiling, Sleeping Beauty is a delight to watch, like a fairytale in real life unravelling before you.
The story then leaves this gothic world of fairies and vampires and takes us to the present day for the second act and third acts.
It really was a sight to see andI would definitely recommend going to see any of Matthew Bourne's work, even if you're not a fan of more traditional ballet.
Who wrote this...?
I'm 20 years old, studying Journalism with Photo-Imaging at the University of Ulster Coleraine Campus. I have an undying love for Belfast and all that it has to offer, an undying love for sleeping, Tegan and Sara, trashy tv shows, foreign snack-foods and being irresponsible with money. I also quite like origami, reading, hip-hop, dubstep, anything acoustic and Food Network TV.