AUDIENCES at the Empire have had some five-star theatrical treats of late ...

The sumptous King and I; the daft but delightful Mother Goose and now the third fabulous five star artistic attraction – it could not be anything else for the return of Sir Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty.

This much-loved work is reawakened – celebrating a decade since its premiere at Sadlers Wells when it became the fastest selling production in New Adventures history.

It is a hit all over the world and is now on a UK tour stopping off in Liverpool until Saturday where there is a strong fan base for Sir Matthew’s productions.

This Gothic romance has everything and is full of surprises.

I last saw it in 2016 and it remains a truly, darkly enchanting experience.

You are greeted with the words ‘Once Upon a Time’ projected onto the luxurious curtains and from there the story unfolds to keep you in the time loop with huge projected subtitles leading to a truly magical conclusion.

If you want to get in the mood, the glossy programme for the show features a revealing interview with the good knight Sir Matthew on how it all came about.

On stage there's quite a battle for good and evil going on conveyed with a kaleidoscope for the senses – as seen through the consistently vibrant vision of Liverpool-born set and costume designer Les Brotherston, who has excelled himself with the imagery from the Hammer Horror meets silent films scenario to an impressionist painting coming to life.

Lighting - which seldom gets recognition in reviews - deserves a round of applause for Paule Constable’s sweeping, subtle and, at times, sparkling moonlight and sun shades.

This is the third in Matthew’s re-imagined Tchaikovsky trilogy. Swan Lake and Nutcracker are the two other pieces which have become firm favourites with ballet lovers of all ages who enjoy the respective journeys because Matthew dares to be different.

Like all the New Adventures productions the pieces fit perfectly into place.

This a tale of the supernatural involving fairies and vampires.

In two hours and ten minutes (including an interval to catch your breath) you witness imaginative leaps through the centuries.

You are gripped from the outset as we see the grand christening of the princess Aurora celebrated by the magical fairies – alas, someone has been left off the guest list and she is not happy.

Aurora is cursed. After pricking her finger she sleeps for 100 years. Will she find true love? This is a fairy tale romance that beats fast and sometime furious leading us all to a splendid finale.

Cordelia Braithwaite is the grown-up graceful Aurora with a real twinkle in her eye as she glides across the vast Empire boards.

There is real chemistry with Stephen Murray’s Leo – the royal gamekeeper. Joyous is one word that captures their every scene together.

Surely they live happily ever after?

A spellbinding and unique fairy story for all ages with some magical and poignant puppetry.

Verdict: Electrifying elegance

Five stars

The production ends its Liverpool Empire run on Saturday

Tickets here