The magical story of Sleeping Beauty is retold through ballet masterwork. SIMON ANNAND

Matthew Bourne’s haunting take on Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty launches its UK tour in Autumn 2015

Director and Choreographer Matthew Bourne’s haunting take on Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty opened to rave reviews when it premiered in 2012, completing his trio of reimagined Tchaikovsky ballet masterworks that commenced in 1992 with Nutcracker.

An extensive national tour of the ballet has now been announced, opening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on Saturday, October 17, with an eight-week Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells from Tuesday, December 1 to Saturday, January 24, 2016.

Bourne’s re-imagining of the classic tale sees the traditional story of good versus evil turned upside down, as he mimics a supernatural love story. Full casting for the UK tour is yet to be announced, though tour dates are already available, giving group travel organisers the chance to plan ahead.

The production has already smashed box office records across the UK, while its US premiere in 2013 prompted The New York Times to say ‘This is Bourne at his best – a masterful storyteller’.

The production also won three Los Angeles Drama Critic Awards and the Ovation Award for Best Production.

“The unprecedented success of Sleeping Beauty took us all by surprise in 2012, becoming our most popular production,” says Matthew. “For me, it is one of New Adventures’ finest achievements and the piece of which I am most proud. I’m delighted that New Adventures will be waking up the Princess Aurora after only three years – 100 years seemed just too long to wait.”

The production’s 2015 dates commence at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from October 17-24
(www.theatreroyal.com). For more information, ticket details and information on 2016 dates visit newadventures.net/sleeping-beauty