Photo Flash: Matthew Bourne's SLEEPING BEAUTY Opens at Theatre Royal, Plymouth Tonight

The first revival of Matthew Bourne's SLEEPING BEAUTY will open at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth tonight 17 October 2015 with an eight-week Christmas season at Sadler's Wells from Tuesday 1 December 2015 to Saturday 24 January 2016. (Press night on Wednesday 9 December 2015). In total, the production will play 18 venues. Matthew Bourne's SLEEPING BEAUTY 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. BroadwayWorld has a dreamy promo shot for the show below!

Bourne's new scenario introduced several characters not seen in Petipa's famous Ballet or Grimm's fairy tale. This imaginary kingdom is ruled over by King Benedict and Queen Eleanor. 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 leading role of Leo will once again be played by Dominic North and Chris Trenfield who co-created the role in 2012. Count Lilac will be portrayed once again by one of New Adventures most accomplished performers Christopher Marney, and in his third Principal role for New Adventures this year, Liam Mower. The twin roles of Carabosse and Caradoc will be shared by two charismatic New Adventures performers; Adam Maskell who co-created the role in 2012, as well as Tom Clark. King Benedict will be played by Will Bozier, Glenn Graham, and Chris Trenfield. Queen Eleanor by Pia Driver, Nicole Kabera, and Katie Webb.

Completing the SLEEPING BEAUTY Company are: Daniel Collins, Jack Jones, Mari Kamata, Phil King, Dominic Lamb, Dena Lague, Katy Lowenhoff, Katrina Lyndon, Kate Lyons, Andrew Monaghan, Leon Moran and Danny Reubens

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), Paule Constable (Lighting) and Paul Groothuis (Sound Design). The 2015 Revival will be Directed by Matthew Bourne, Staged by Associate Director Etta Murfitt and the Resident Director is Neil Westmoreland.

Photo Credit: Hugo Glendinning