English National Ballet has announced that its landmark 2026 performance of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s The Sleeping Beauty, filmed live at the Royal Albert Hall, will screen in more than 150 UK cinemas starting 13 October 2026. Distributed by Cinematik under its new performing arts identity, Eido, this event marks the very first time the Company has brought this iconic production to the historic London venue for a big-screen audience.
The production boasts lavish costumes by legendary designer Nicholas Georgiadis alongside a brand-new set design created by MacMillan’s daughter, Charlotte MacMillan. Tchaikovsky’s soaring, revered 1890 score is performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic under the baton of conductor Maria Seletskaja. English National Ballet remains the only company in the world currently performing this specific 1987 reimagining by MacMillan.
The production stars First Soloist Anna Nevzorova as Princess Aurora and Associate Guest Artist Davi Ramos as Prince Désiré. First Artists Anri Sugiura and Eireen Evrard round out the principal cast as the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse.
According to English National Ballet Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin, the production represents a true mountain for the company to climb, noting that it stands as one of the hardest technical classical ballets to dance. MacMillan himself danced in the ballet at just 16 years old at the Royal Opera House, decades before creating his own version. Lady MacMillan noted that her late husband believed the piece to be the most important ballet in the classical repertoire and used it as his definitive choreographic touchstone.
For more than 75 years, English National Ballet has dedicated itself to bringing world-class dance to mainstream and diverse audiences. This cinematic release allows communities across the country to experience high-caliber art outside of traditional theatre spaces. Audiences can find local screenings and sign up for ticket alerts by visiting enbsleepingbeautycinema.com.
