Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton – until 23rd February 2024 then touring the UK
Review by Amanda Allen
4****
People go to see a classic ballet for several reasons, many because they know the story, are familiar with the music and therefore have some expectation of what they will be seeing. Raymond Gubbay’s presentation of Sleeping Beauty did not disappoint. Varna International Ballet Company, formed in 1947 and based in Bulgaria, are currently touring the UK with 3 classic Ballet productions, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. With dancers from all over the world plus a full orchestra, I highly recommend that you try and see one of the performances. I was privileged to see Sleeping Beauty at Northampton Derngate Theatre and found myself transported to a fairytale world of childhood stories, beautiful costumes, and wonderful dancing. Presented with minimal staging, you were fully immersed in the performance of the dancers throughout the show, so every character was fully seen and part of the story telling whilst on stage.
This version of Sleeping Beauty, with its wonderful Tchaikovsky score conducted by Peter Tuleshkov, is packed with terrific choreography and technical expertise which fans of pure, classic ballet will love. Princess Aurora played by Andres Conforti was effortlessly graceful, executing the choreography with style, poise, grace and a great deal of stamina! Supported well by the fabulous Mirko Andreutti as Prince Desire who seemed to defy gravity flying across the stage.
For me the standout performance of the night was one of the more minor roles, that of the White Cat, played so well by Agnese Di Dio Masa, she fully embraced the character of the cat alongside Matthias Andreu Gluck playing Puss in Boots and stole the show with perfect comic timing in every move, keeping fully in character right to the curtain call at the end of the performance. Another standout performer was that of the Lilac Fairy played by Mara Salvaggio, one of the main and most important roles in the ballet, she executed her part with perfection, consistently well throughout the entire show.
I was a little disappointed in the performance of the Queen played by Giulia Visalli. Although not a large dancing part, she, along with the King, played by Sam Darwell, is integral to the telling of the story, sadly she seemed a little disconnected from the cast when sat side of stage watching, or rather not watching, the fairies and courtiers dancing. Even when just sat on the side of the stage you are still part of the overall performance, and someone will be watching you.
The costumes were a delight, each one fitting the character of the dancers, full of colour and movement. I overheard another audience member claim that the cloak worn by Carabosse, played with wonderful evil intent by Konsta Roos, deserved 5* rating on its own! The only thing I didn’t like with the costumes was the dresses of the courtiers, I wish they had been 200mm shorter so we could see their feet when they danced.
With all round good ballet, a great orchestral performance, good staging and costume I would highly recommend you try and get a ticket if Varna International are at a theatre near you.