When wicked fairy Carabosse is snubbed at Princess Aurora's christening, she chooses not to give a present, but instead curses the child. The Lilac fairy saves Aurora from the looming hand of death, and changes the curse so that the princess will fall into a deep sleep when she pricks her finger. When needle meets digit there is a lot of snoozing, until a handsome prince saves the day.

The Sleeping Beauty was the first ballet performed by the Vic-Wells Ballet 75 years ago. When the same company became the resident company of the Royal Opera House 60 years ago, it again presented The Sleeping Beauty. Fifty years ago the Vic-Wells Ballet became the Royal Ballet. It is fitting, then, that this new production of The Sleeping Beauty is included in the Royal Ballet's 75th anniversary season.

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