Synopsis Perrault's timeless fairy tale, about a young girl cursed to sleep for one hundred years, was turned into a legendary ballet by choreographer, Marius Petipa, in 1890. Bourne takes this as his starting point, setting the Christening of Aurora, the story's heroine, in the year of the ballets first performance; the height of the Fin-de-Siecle period when fairies, vampires and decadent opulence fed the gothic imagination. As Aurora grows into a young woman, we move forwards in time to the more rigid, uptight Edwardian era; a mythical golden age of long summer afternoons, croquet on the lawn and new dance crazes. Years later, awakening from her century long slumber, Aurora finds herself in the modern day; a world more mysterious and wonderful than any Fairy story! Matthew Bourne's haunting new scenario is a gothic tale for all ages; the traditional tale of good vs. evil and rebirth is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story, across the decades, that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder. World Premiere Times and dates to be confirmed
Closed 23 June 96 to October 98 for a £48million refurbishment. On 3 Jun 1683 a Mr Sadler opened a pleasure garden at a country spring, this became known as Sadler's Wells. A wooden stage, later enclosed, there was known as Miles' Musik House. Theatre started in 1753. In 1765 a new theatre was opened. For a period it was the Aquatic Theatre with a floodable tank on stage, reverting to its current name in 1844. Closed in 1878 (had been a skating rink and a boxing ring). Re-opened 1879. Closed in 1906. Lilian Baylis opened a theatre there in 1931. Lilian Baylis was the niece of Emma Cons, the first woman member of the LCC and the freeholder of the Royal Victoria Hall and Coffee Tavern (now the Old Vic). Became a solely ballet and opera venue in 1934. Sadler's Wells was the original home of the Royal Ballet (then the Sadler's Wells Ballet) and the opera company from here moved on to the Coliseum. 1500 seats. Now has its own well back in use for the cooling system and bottled water. Very major refurbishment completed in 1998. Society of London Theatre member.
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