The Grand Theatre is delighted to bring one of Russia’s most acclaimed ballet companies back to Blackpool. The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia will perform Sleeping Beauty on 18th March and Giselle on 19th March.
In a magical Fairy Kingdom a princess, Aurora, is born and the Lilac Fairy and all her maidens are invited to the celebrations. The evil fairy Carabosse isn’t invited, but attends anyway disguised as a beautiful fairy and casts a spell over Aurora – cursing her that on her 16th birthday she will prick her finger and die.
Trying to save the Princess the Lilac Fairy casts another spell, saying that the princess will only fall asleep after pricking her finger.
Sixteen years later Carabosse smuggles a needle into the castle on the night of Aurora’s birthday party. The princess pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep.
One hundred years pass and the Lilac Fairy meets Prince Florimund who sees a picture of Aurora and falls in love with her. Knowing true loves kiss can wake the princess from the spell the Lilac Fairy takes the prince to battle Carabosse and save the princess.
Stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes and wonderful sets form the fantasy world in which the Lilac Fairy struggles against the evil Carabosse.
The story of Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score and brought to life by the magnificent costumes and virtuoso performances.
Set in the Rhineland in the Middle Ages during the grape harvest Duke Albrecht disguises himself as a peasant so he can ‘sow a few wild oats’ before his marriage. He flirts with Giselle who falls in love with him. When she learns the truth she goes mad and dies.
Summoned from her grave by the Wilis, female spirits who, jilted before their wedding day, rise from their graves and seek revenge upon men by dancing them to death, Giselle goes in search of Albrecht...
Formed in 1981, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. The soloists and corps de ballet are superb, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes.
Sleeping Beauty is at the Grand Theatre on Sunday 18th March and Giselle will be performed on Monday 19th March. Tickets start from £20.
Don’t forget! Book for both ballets at the same time for just £55.
(Stalls and Dress Circle only)
Book your seats now by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 743339,
online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
or at the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre.
Parking is available at a discounted rate at the secure West Street Car Park, directly opposite the theatre’s entrance. Book your parking ticket when you book your show tickets from the Box Office and you can have parking from 5.30pm until 12.30am for only £2.50!
Ballet facts:
Sleeping Beauty
- Sleeping Beauty is Tchaikovsky’s longest ballet at nearly 4 hours in length! It is nearly always cut.
- Tchaikovsky finished the ballet score at the end of May 1889,having spent a total of 40 days on it.
- Many fairytale characters, including Puss in Boots and Red Riding Hood, appear in the final act.
Giselle
- The role of Giselle is one of the most sought after in ballet. To be cast in the role, a ballerina must have near perfect technique, great drama skills and outstanding grace.
- Giselle revolves around the themes of forest spirits, forces of nature and death. The second act of the ballet, in which everyone wears white, is known as the ‘white act’.
- Giselle was first performed at the Paris Opéra’s Salle Le Peletier in Juen 1841.
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