Preview: John Daly-Peoples
Royal New Zealand Ballet
Sleeping Beauty
In association with New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT)
29 Oct-Dec 20, 2026
The Royal New Zealand Ballet final ballet of its 2026 series invites audienes to enter a world of fairytale magic as Greg Horsman’s acclaimed production of The Sleeping Beauty returns for a nationwide tour from October to December 2026.
Celebrating the arrival of summer and the festive season, this spectacular production revives one of the Company’s most cherished works. Since its triumphant premiere in 2011, The Sleeping Beauty has become a favourite with audiences across Aotearoa, with more than 42,000 people experiencing its original nationwide tour.
“It is wonderful for the Royal New Zealand Ballet to return to The Sleeping Beauty to bring our 2026 season to a close,” says Artistic Director Ty King-Wall. “Created for our company, Greg Horsman’s production is an evocative and respectful staging of one of the great ballets of the 19th century. We look forward to a new generation of dancers taking on these coveted roles as this much-loved story awakens once more.”
Set to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Sleeping Beauty tells the timeless story of Princess Aurora, whose destiny is altered by a wicked curse before true love awakens her from an enchanted sleep. Combining exquisite classical choreography with breathtaking theatrical design, this production offers an unforgettable ballet experience for audiences of every generation.
Greg Horsman’s elegant choreography honours the grandeur of the classical tradition while bringing warmth, humour and humanity to one of ballet’s greatest masterpieces. Richly detailed sets and costumes by acclaimed designer and former RNZB Artistic Director Gary Harris transport audiences into a storybook kingdom filled with glittering courts, enchanted forests and unforgettable fairytale characters.
Adding an unmistakably New Zealand touch, the production features magical elements created by Wellington’s Wētā Workshop, whose artistry brings an extra sense of wonder to Aurora’s enchanted world. Together with Jon Buswell’s atmospheric lighting design, the production creates a visually stunning theatrical experience that continues to captivate audiences more than a decade after its premiere.
Following its success with the RNZB in 2011, Horsman’s production travelled across the Tasman after the choreographer joined Queensland Ballet in 2012. Since then, it has been staged there several times to widespread critical and audience acclaim, cementing its reputation as one of the most beautiful contemporary interpretations of this enduring classic.
The 2026 tour will feature live orchestral accompaniment in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland, with Hamish McKeich conducting. Performances in Wellington will be accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch performances by Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and Auckland performances by Auckland Philharmonia. Performances in all other touring centres will be accompanied by a recording of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
“We’re proud to support the Royal New Zealand Ballet as it brings this remarkable production to communities around the country,” says NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges. “The tour will give thousands of New Zealanders, including many living beyond the country’s main centres, the chance to experience the magic of world-class live ballet.”
Perfect for first-time ballet-goers, devoted dance lovers and families looking to share a magical experience together, The Sleeping Beauty is the ideal pre-Christmas outing. Overflowing with romance, adventure, dazzling dancing and unforgettable music, this much-loved production promises an afternoon or evening of enchantment for audiences of all ages.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Choreography: Greg Horsman
Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Set and Costume Design: Gary Harris
Lighting Design: Jon Buswell
Conductor: Hamish McKeich
Live Orchestra
Wellington: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Christchurch: Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Auckland: Auckland Philharmonia
* All other venues: Recorded performance by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
TOUR SCHEDULE
Wellington: St James Theatre 29 October-7 November 2026
Christchurch: Isaac Theatre Royal 11–14 November 2026
Invercargill: Civic Theatre 18 November 2026
Dunedin: Regent Theatre 21-22 November 2026
Hamilton: BNZ Theatre 27-29 November
Auckland: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre 3-12 December 2026
Palmerston North: Regent on Broadway 16 December 2026
Napier: Municipal Theatre 19-20 December 2026
New Zealand Arts Review 