insideKENT Magazine Issue 49 - April 2016 | Page 27

EVENTS My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty // 16-17 Apr A Midsummer Night’s Dream // 19-23 Apr English National Ballet and English National Ballet School present My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty, a reimagined version of the classic fairytale ballet created especially for children. Adapted to an hour in length and with a narrator to help young audiences follow the story, My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty is the perfect way to introduce children as young as three to the magic of ballet. My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty tells the story of Princess Aurora, who as a baby is cursed by the evil Carabosse – on her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die. Fortunately, her godmother the Lilac Fairy alters the spell so Aurora will not die but will sleep for 100 years, only to be awoken by true love’s kiss. 11am, 2pm & 5pm (Saturday), 11am & 3pm (Sunday). Price: £15-£20 Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED www.orchardtheatre.co.uk / 01322 220000 “The course of true love never did run smooth.” On a midsummer’s night, four young lovers find themselves wrapped in the mischievous arms of an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule, in Shakespeare’s most beguiling comedy. This unique production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is truly a play for the nation, featuring a cast of 18 RSC professional actors, with amateur theatre companies from all around the UK. In Canterbury, the roles of Bottom and the actors in the play within a play will be played by The Canterbury Players. 7.30pm (Thursday and Saturday matinees 1.30pm). Price: £14.50-£33.50 The Marlowe Theatre, White Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS www.marlowetheatre.com / 01227 787787 27