ONE of the greatest fairytales is to be brought to life in the most magical way next month.
The Vienna Festival Ballet is heading to Parr Hall on May 13 with its enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty.
This classic fairytale explores the age-old struggle between good and evil, as the wicked Carbosse casts a spell on Princess Aurora, proclaiming that she will one day prick her finger and die.
The Lilac Fairy changes the spell and instead, on that fateful day, the princess and the entire palace fall into a deep sleep.
A century later Prince Désiré revives the princess with a kiss, the palace awakes and a parade of fairytale characters attend the wedding.
This traditional tale of good versus evil is a common theme in traditional ballets, and is something Peter Mallek – artistic director of the Vienna Festival Ballet – believes is what makes the ballet so popular today.
He explained: “All of our ballets are fairytales, and they are always about good and evil. In Swan Lake, for instance, you have Odette and Odile, and the Prince and the Evil Sorcerer – you have goodies and baddies. These are stories everyone know and love, so people who have never seen a ballet before can come and explain to their children what’s going on.
“At curtain call, everyone comes on stage to take their bow, and everyone claps, but when the baddy comes on, everyone boos – it’s almost like a pantomime.”
Made famous by Walt Disney’s 1959 adaptation, this timeless tale is one every family knows and loves, but is told in a truly unique way.
Complete with beautiful costumes, mesmerising choreography and Tchaikovsky’s sublime original score, this sensational performance is guaranteed to deliver a wonderful experience you will never forget.
Telling a story that is known and loved by all generations, Sleeping Beauty is the perfect family event that is guaranteed to enchant every single audience member.
“It’s something everyone can enjoy, and that’s important,” Peter said. “Ballet only ever used to be for the rich people, for Kaisers and queens – never for more than about 10 or 15 people, but it became more and more for the audience, and today – it’s for everyone.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.pyramidparrhall.com or by calling Box Office on 01925 442345.
