Sarah Esdaile
Theatre and Television Director
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Sleeping Beauty
By Rufus Norris
The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Rep
Designer: Francis O’Connor
Lighting Designer: Paul Pyant
Sound Designer: Mic Pool
Composer: Catherine Jayes
Cast: Moyo Akende, Jofre Alsina, Jenna Augen, Alex Clatworthy, Tomm Coles, Nicholas Goode, Gregory Gudgeon, Joanna Hickman, Elizabeth Marsh, Ciaron Owens, Dan Willis
Reviews:
It is skilful: Sarah Esdaile deploys her supporting cast so well that I thought there were
more of them, and Catherine Jayes’s music is both lovely and disturbing. It echoes
Kneehigh, Jerusalem and indeed Sweeney Todd. It is arty, witty, classy, funny. But for
heaven’s sake don’t take anyone very small who’s prone to nightmares.
The Times ****
Esdaile's production … is atmospheric, full of strange shrieks and screams, as well as some very nice touches: at one point, the entire stage becomes the sleeping princess's bed. It also boasts a gnarled design by Francis O'Connor that conjures the dark thickets of the forest and the imagination alike. An added touch of playfulness comes from two long slides that hug the sides of the auditorium. Fun for everyone, except perhaps die-hard vegetarians.
The Guardian ***