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Fonteyn '59: Sleeping Beauty

Duration: 1 hour

First broadcast: on BBC FourLatest broadcast: on BBC Four HD

Darcey Bussell introduces edited highlights of Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty, created especially for television by producer/director Margaret Dale in 1959 and featuring the then stars of the Royal Ballet, Margot Fonteyn and Michael Somes. This rarely seen film gives viewers a glimpse of an authentic 1950s style of ballet, transporting them back to the living rooms of post-war Britain. The performance features footage previously feared lost, but now able to be seen for the first time since the original broadcast over 50 years ago. This recently rediscovered archive includes the 'lost kiss' - the awakening of Sleeping Beauty by a kiss from her handsome prince. Show less

Contributors

Presenter:
Darcey Bussell
Producer:
Margaret Dale
Princess Aurora:
Margot Fonteyn
Prince Florimund:
Michael Somes
Lilac Fairy:
Lucette Aldous
Carabosse the Wicked Fairy:
Yvonne Cartier
Bluebird:
Brian Shaw

About this data

This data is drawn from the data stream that informs BBC's iPlayer and Sounds. The information shows what was scheduled to be broadcast, meaning it was/is subject to change and may not be accurate. More