Matthew Bourne to Bring SLEEPING BEAUTY Back to Birmingham Hippodrome

See dazzlingly gothic Sleeping Beauty in its first revival since it took the Birmingham Hippodrome stage by storm in 2013.

Acclaimed choreographer and Birmingham favourite, Matthew Bourne - who has recently received a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List, brings his dazzling production of Sleeping Beauty back to Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 February 2016, following a record breaking run in 2013.

Created for New Adventures' 25th birthday in 2012, Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty became the fastest selling production in the company's history and is a gothic tale for all ages. The traditional tale of good vs. evil and rebirth is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder

Bourne's new scenario introduced several characters not seen in the famous fairy tale. The imaginary kingdom in this production is ruled over by King Benedict and Queen Eleanor and Princess Aurora's romantic interest is not a Prince, but the royal gamekeeper, Leo. Representing the central forces of good and evil are Count Lilac ("the King of the Fairies") and the Dark Fairy Carabosse. Bourne has also created the character of Caradoc, the sinister but charming son of Carabosse. Princess Aurora's Fairy Godparents are characterised by their names - Ardor, Hibernia, Autumnus, Feral and Tantrum.

Returning to the central role of Aurora in this first revival is rising star Ashley Shaw (The Car Man, Edward Scissorhands, Nutcracker!, Cinderella) and Cordelia Braithwaite (Swan Lake in 2013, The Car Man) in her first Principle role with New Adventures.

The leading role of Leo will once again be played by Bromsgrove born dancer Chris Trenfield (The Car Man, Play Without Words, Swan Lake, Nutcracker!) and Dominic North who has appeared in more New Adventures productions than any other dancer, and was nominated as "Outstanding Male Dancer" at The National Dance Awards for his performance as Edward Scissorhands which delighted audiences at Birmingham Hippodrome in early 2015.

Sleeping Beauty is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne working again with three of his regular collaborators and New Adventures Associate Artists; Lez Brotherston (Set and Costumes), Olivier Award-winning Paule Constable (Lighting) and Paul Groothuis (Sound Design).

As part of Birmingham Hippodrome's continuing relationship with Matthew Bourne's educational team, there will be a curtain raiser performance before the show on 11 Feb. This is the sixth consecutive curtain raiser the theatre has created with New Adventures, and will showcase the emerging talent of local dancers aged 12 to 18, as well as student choreographers.

Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty runs at Birmingham Hippodrome Tuesday 9 - Saturday 13 February 2016. Perf times: Tue - Sat Eves 7.30pm, Weds Mat 2pm, Sat Mat 2.30pm. Tickets: £18.50-£45.00, book online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (cost 4.5p/min plus your phone company's access charge, 5% transaction fee applies).

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