The Sleeping Beauty: A lavish fairytale revival
The Australian Ballet
The Australian Ballet is set to captivate audiences once again with the grand revival of David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty, returning in 2025 to mark the 10th anniversary of its celebrated debut. First performed in 2015 and brought back by popular demand in 2017, this breathtaking production returns to the stage under the artistic direction of David Hallberg.
The Sleeping Beauty will premiere at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre from 22–29 July, before travelling to Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre from 16–23 August. The season will conclude with a festive run at the Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre from 21 November–17 December – the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with this spellbinding classic.
A defining masterpiece since its 2015 debut, David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty has continued to enchant audiences and dancers alike. Performed by The Australian Ballet 98 times to date with nearly 150 performances projected by the end of the 2025 season each revival reawakens the magic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this opulent fairytale of romance, regality and wonder unfolds as a truly dreamlike experience.
Technically demanding and visually spellbinding, The Sleeping Beauty is one of The Australian Ballet’s most ambitious productions, from the famous Rose Adage to the breathtaking ACT III Wedding Pas de Deux. Every performance pushes the boundaries of what is possible on stage, promising extraordinary artistry and unrivalled spectacle in 2025.
The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David Hallberg said: “The Sleeping Beauty is an example of a timeless story told through the beauty of ballet. This beloved work, holds a cherished place in our company’s history and has been a returning favourite for dancers and audiences alike.”
“As we prepare to present nearly 50 performances across the country from July to December, I reflect on how this ballet continues to captivate audiences and remain integral to our storytelling tradition. We’re thrilled to share its magic with a new generation of theatre goers,” added Hallberg.
Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in just 40 days, The Sleeping Beauty’s score remains one of the most beloved and innovative in the ballet canon. Tchaikovsky’s orchestration reflects the complexity of the characters, while his use of unique instrumental combinations revolutionised the ballet world. His music continues to resonate across generations, elevating the drama and enchanting audiences with its rich harmonies and sweeping melodies.
David McAllister’s staging honours the original 19th-century choreography by Marius Petipa, elevated by Gabriela Tylesova’s lavish set and costume designs. A multiple Helpmann and Green Room Award-winner, Tylesova brings to life the grandeur of Louis XIV’s court with opulent gilded sets and sumptuous costuming.
The production features hundreds of intricately crafted garments, with some tutus weighing up to five kilograms each. This extraordinary attention to detail transforms the stage into a visual feast of colour, movement and texture. Adding to the spectacle, 89 custom wigs designed by Alison Kidd complete the transformation, ensuring every character is brought to life with remarkable precision.
The 2025 season of The Sleeping Beauty is a celebration of elegance and enchantment, inviting audiences in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney to step into a magical fairytale world and experience one of ballet’s most unforgettable masterpieces.
The Sleeping Beauty was made possible by the remarkable generosity of our supporter community. In 2015, over 2,000 individuals contributed more than 70% of the production costs and created a legacy that will enchant audiences for generations.
The Sleeping Beauty Performance Details:
Adelaide
22 – 29 July
Adelaide Festival Centre
Festival Theatre
With Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
Brisbane
16 – 23 August
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Lyric Theatre
With Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Sydney
21 November – 17 December
Sydney Opera House
Joan Sutherland Theatre
With Opera Australia Orchestra
