The Sleeping Beauty

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Overview

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s exquisite ballet will leave you spellbound.

For wonder and enchantment, look no further than this classic fairytale ballet. Experience all that is grand, gleaming and gorgeous in a stunning version of one of the world’s favourite stories.

As a baby, Princess Aurora is cursed by the wicked Carabosse: on her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger and die. Her godmother the Lilac Fairy alters the spell so Aurora will not die, but sleep for 100 years. Only a true love’s kiss can break the spell and awaken her.

From Aurora’s christening in the grand hall of the palace, to her jubilant wedding celebrations, the bewitching fairy tale is brought to life before your eyes.

3 Reasons to see

A fairytale ballet that enchants audiences of all ages.
Exquisite dancing, sparkling costumes.
Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Reviews

The best Beauty in Britain, with a warmth and confidence that make the tale’s magic sing out.

The Independent

The production is one to savour. The orchestra does full justice to Tchaikovsky

The Times

Splendid. The fairy tale masterpiece is fully honoured

The Sunday Times

The fairytale finale was simply a feast of excellent dancing

The Sunday Express

Worth waking up for... the company dances with confidence, elegance and a touch of humour

The Stage

A masterpiece reawakened with love

The Daily Telegraph

A thoroughbred creation

Financial Times

All airiness and light

Evening Standard

A triumph... MacMillan's timeless staging brings out the best in ENB

The Arts Desk

Explore the Story

Want to learn more?

Ballet dancer in gray leotard performs an arabesque at the barre in a bright white studio, with one leg extended behind her and arm raised gracefully overhead. An instructor in a teal cardigan observes from across the room.

Sleeping Beauty Masterclass

Follow along this Sleeping Beauty-inspired Masterclass on BalletActive from ENB Guest Associate Repetiteur Cynthia Harvey.
Watch class

Meet the team

  • Thu 25 June 2026, 7:30pm - Royal Albert Hall, London
  • Fri 26 June 2026, 2:30pm - Royal Albert Hall, London
  • Fri 26 June 2026, 7:30pm - Royal Albert Hall, London
  • Sat 27 June 2026, 2:30pm - Royal Albert Hall, London
  • Sat 27 June 2026, 7:30pm - Royal Albert Hall, London
  • Sun 28 June 2026, 2:00pm - Royal Albert Hall, London
  • Sun 28 June 2026, 7:00pm - Royal Albert Hall, London
View casting for all dates

View casting for all dates

Kenneth MacMillan

Choreography

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Music

Nicholas Georgiadis

Costumes

Performances

Royal Albert Hall, London

Thu 25 Jun 2026 - Sun 28 Jun 2026
Thu 25 Jun 2026
Fri 26 Jun 2026
Sat 27 Jun 2026
Sun 28 Jun 2026

More Access

Find out more about access at our touring venues.
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