The Sleeping Beauty review: WA Ballet brings fairytale to life at His Majesty’s Theatre

Once upon a time, on opening night at His Majesty’s Theatre, an audience fell under a spell. There’s very little to dislike in watching a fairytale come alive, and plenty to love about being swept away in WA Ballet’s latest production of a beloved classic, The Sleeping Beauty. Dazzling costumes, grand sets, exquisite dancing — this is a ballet that has it all. Mexican-Finnish choreographer Javier Torres’ reimagining of Marius Petipa’s original work aims to appeal to a modern audience, incorporating an array of vibrant characters (a princess, fairies, woodland creatures, bluebirds and a unicorn appear en pointe), traditional yet lively choreography, and a shortened run time of two hours and 20 minutes including an interval. After the birth of Princess Aurora, a furious Carabosse, the fairy of fear (danced by Polly Hilton and Juan Carlos Osma) curses the princess after being excluded from the celebrations. On her 16th birthday, Aurora, brilliantly danced by Chihiro Nomura, pricks her finger on a poisoned rose and falls into a deep sleep. Alexa Tuzil as the Lilac Fairy gracefully saves the day with a spell to awaken Aurora with true love’s kiss, materialising in the form of Oscar Valdes as Prince Desire. Tuzil gives a captivating performance as the Lilac Fairy, setting the scene along with the corps de ballet in a charming opening number complete with glittering lilac tutus, one of many exquisite designs by Erika Turunen that dazzle against the backdrop of Minna Wallenius’ lavish sets. The menacing Hilton as Carabosse, flanked by a posse of dancing bats, gives a striking performance as she masters another villain, sharing the role with Carlos Osma who also shines executing the powerful, technically-demanding choreography. Principal dancers Nomura and Valdes take the audience on an enchanting journey. Valdes’ strength and physicality as he leaps across the stage wows in a display of extraordinary feat, while Nomura’s grace evokes a dreamlike presence, befitting her portrayal of a spellbound princess. Nikki Blain is effervescent as Babette, Aurora’s cousin, giving a dynamic, spirited performance with a touch a humour, while special mention goes to the six child guest artists who were a sheer delight to watch. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score is the backbone of this ballet, in which the drama and beauty of the story unfolds, superbly performed by West Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of principal conductor Jessica Gethin. The Sleeping Beauty is a gem of a show that will please purists and those new to the world of ballet alike. A fun, dynamic and family-friendly performance to inspire those young and young-at-heart, complete with a little touch of magic and a fairytale ending. 5 stars The Sleeping Beauty is on at His Majesty’s Theatre until December 15.