ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET – The Sleeping Beauty

MAYFLOWER THEATRE Southampton until 29th November 2025

Review: P. Hayward 26th November 2025

It was back in 2008 that we last saw Kenneth MacMillan’s production of The Sleeping Beauty for English National Ballet; now its back at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton. This original production has all the style and charm we would expect and with a company and orchestra of over 100 it is magnificent in every respect.

Each cast change brings different dimensions to the production and this year is no different with the dancers ensuring that this production is a delightful Christmas treat and as in 2008 Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin seems to bring new energy to the production. Although, I must admit, the designs are beginning to look a little tired. From it’s opening with the arrival of a new baby, the Princess Aurora, the energy and the excitement of the court becomes infectious and carries us seamlessly through the years to Aurora’s 16^th birthday.

Tchaikovsky’s music, the choreography, the performances are sublime and together tells us the story throughout the first act. However, the second act is something else, the story gets expanded and we get treated, or subjected, to a number of intrusions depicting characters from other seasonal stories but most notably ‘puss in boots’, it gives many of the dancers a couple of minutes in the spotlight to display their undoubted talents, but adds nothing to the story except that I guess they are paying their respects to the Prince and Princess on their upcoming wedding. However, there are moments and one for me was when the Lilac Fairy guided Prince Desire through the overgrown forest to the sleeping princess, it felt like stepping into a dream. The moment he kissed Aurora awake was simply presented and somehow spellbinding.

On opening night, Lead Principal, Sangeun Lee was sublime as Aurora. She displays emotion and character, throughout. She is supported well by Lead Principal, Gareth Haw as the handsome Prince Desire and their partnering delivers some of the most accomplished dancing I have witnessed in recent years. Without their outstanding performances in Act II the evening would have been a bitter disappointment. The Lilac Fairy who provides Aurora with the ultimate protection is danced beautifully by First Artist, Anri Sugiura and her adversary, Carabosse, the dark fairy (witch) is threateningly played by First Soloist, Fabian Reimair who obviously convinced the audience by the boos he received at curtain call.

At times it looked as though the company were still coming to terms with the dimensions of the stage, which isn’t as big as in many of the venues where the company dance. Something that they will adapt to quickly, as it must be as annoying for the dancers as it might be for the audience. The company of dancers are elegant and perform with assurance whether courtiers, royalty, guests or fairies. The company is supplemented by members of the English National Ballet School, Tring Park School For The Performing Arts and The Royal Ballet School, who all move seamlessly with strength and grace.

It’s the music that always brings me back to The Sleeping Beauty it never lets you down. Neither does the English National Ballet Philharmonic under the experienced baton of Dominic Grier. Hard to imagine ballet without the music of Tchaikovsky, but there has been an inordinate amount of pressure on western classical companies to avoid Tchaikovsky’s music until Russia ceases its predatory invasions.

Out for a good time, the audience, as bubbly as the glasses of wine they’ve been drinking, many first-timers I’m guessing, loving the whole experience. The audience is never wrong and this ballet is a sure-fire hit, with almost every one of the 2200 seats for each performance sold for its run in Southampton auguring well for next year’s performances at the Royal Albert Hall.