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.

Where to go near English National Ballet – The Sleeping Beauty

City Centre
Bar or Pub
Schofield’s Bar

Schofield’s could be Manchester’s most grown-up bar. Very precise drinks in an upmarket city centre venue. It’s not cheap, hey, but true class costs.

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.

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

Nwando Ebizie and Sidiki Dembélé wear jewel-toned clothes against a midnight blue backdrop.
Music

Returning legends, their noisy heirs and centuries-old music made new – all in our latest guide update.

Food and Drink in the North

It's autumn and time to get scheduling those hearty meals. Here's the October guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Exhibitions

It’s a good season for contemporary art fans in Manchester, with many of our favourite small galleries launching something big.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Shakespearean tragedy, indie musical theatre, live art and beautifully strange dance-theatre – four standout picks for autumn.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
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.