English National Ballet – The Sleeping Beauty

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

Book now

English National Ballet - The Sleeping Beauty

Manchester Opera House, City Centre
23 October-22 November 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

English National Ballet - Sleeping Beauty
Image supplied by ATG Tickets
Book now

Prepare to be awe-struck this November, as English National Ballet sweeps into the Palace Theatre Manchester with their gorgeously grand take on Sleeping Beauty, where fairy godmothers shimmer and curses are stylishly delivered. 

From the glittering pomp of Princess Aurora’s christening, to the seriously jubilant wedding celebration, this version of the well-known fairytale is told with the most incredible theatrical flair. From start to finish you’ll be glued to your seats, with dream-like choreography, stunning sets and insane costumes that could upstage the outfits on Milan fashion week… 

Visually, the show will make you want to cry with joy. Sound wise, you are also in for a treat, as Tchaikovsky’s rich, romantic score played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic turns every pirouette into something that feels like poetry, and heightens the whole production into an incredible moment that is, quite simply, unforgettable. 

Wicked Carabosse is dramatic, Lilac Fairy is fierce and *that* kiss still happens, so although it’s a bit different, it still contains the familiar story and characters we know and love.

Sleeping Beauty by English National Ballet is for ages 8 and up. It’s a perfect production for ballet lovers and / or storybook dreamers, and also a great way to introduce your little dancer to an amazing, renowned ballet production. Not into dancing so much? It’s still great for anyone in need of a little escapism, or who wants to do something a bit different

So for some serious autumnal magic, head to the The Sleeping Beauty in Manchester this November. 

To find out more about the production, watch the trailer below.

What's on at Manchester Opera House

Where to go near English National Ballet – The Sleeping Beauty

Castlefield
Event venue
Old Granada Studios

Manchester’s old Granada Studios is an iconic piece of the city’s history and home to Sidney Bernstein’s television empire.

Manchester
Hotel
Moxy Manchester City

Moxy Manchester City is a stylish 146-bedroom hotel in Spinningfields, with an attractive living room lobby and modern, well-stocked bar.

Manchester
Event venue
Aviva Studios

At Aviva Studios, premieres are the point – world firsts, UK debuts and new commissions that need unusual amounts of space, time and technical freedom to exist at all.

The Mews Bar and Charcuterie
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Mews Bar and Charcuterie

Based at Great Northern’s thriving plaza, The Mews Bar and Charcuterie is a stylish place for drinks and high-quality food boards, from the team behind the excellent Northern Quarter cocktail

Manchester
Restaurant
Hey Little Cupcake

Hey Little Cupcake is a small, trendy cupcake boutique nestled in Spinningfields that uses the finest ingredients to create a signature collection of cupcakes, cakes and brownies.

What's on: Families

Culture Guides

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Music in the North

We have an eclectic mix of gigs for you this month, moving from experimental electronics and noise rock to synth pop, opera, and hyper-local R&B.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.