"Sleeping Beauty A Gothic Romance" by Matthew Bourne's New Adventures.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

There's something about ballet, for me, that just soothes and relaxes and then takes you to euphoric and dramatic heights. That is what I love so much about Matthew Bourne's New Adventures.

Fairy tales, once you scratch the surface, reveal a dark underbelly and Matthew Bourne brings out that darkness, along with some beautiful story telling, drama and even flashes of comedy.

These dance athletes literally glide over the stage, they soar, they fly, they enthrall and excite their audience.

There is a modern twist to this fairy tale though which involves a vampiric evil fairy who uses Sleeping Beauty's "Prince Charming", here a gardener/gamekeeper, to awaken the slumbering maiden, for his own means.

It's no spoiler to reveal that this does not end well for the dark fairy, danced by Jackson Fisch. Leo, the gamekeeper is danced by Andrew Monaghan and Princess Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty, is danced by Ashley Shaw.

Ballet for me is an ensemble production because every single one of these dancers have to be at the top of their game, especially when you work for someone like Matthew Bourne. Every dancer could understudy for any other part, and that in itself shows how talented you need to be in ballet.

If the story and the incredible dancing is not enough for you, there's also puppetry for the baby Aurora, which is totally mesmerising and expertly managed by members of the Company.

Another thing that I have come to expect with New Adventures is an amazing set design, and that is no difference for Sleeping Beauty. The set, and costume design is by Les Brotherston. The building in the background looks so realistic that you feel as if you can stroll over that hill and pay a visit to that magnificent building, which resembles a certain Nottingham landmark.

I need not say anything about Matthew Bourne because he is number one in his field as Director, Choreographer and scenario. Again he met and exceeded every expectation I had of this wonderful production.

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky has always been one of my favourite composers and as soon as that gorgeous Sleeping Beauty Waltz swept in, it was like being lifted upon a wave. The music tells a story and when combined with the talents that these incredible dancers have for story telling, it makes for one of the best night outs for all ages.

Any show that has the ability to rid you of your stresses and transport you to another world, relating a magical story without uttering a word, is a show that is not to be missed. This show is one not to be missed.

"Sleeping Beauty" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 28 January.