CLASSIC TALE COMES ALIVE WITH LOCAL FLAVOUR The Hong Kong Players will turn the classic tale Sleeping Beauty into a hilarious pantomime with local twists. The show begins with the faithful palace retainer, Tiny, preparing for the 16th birthday of the beautiful Princess Bauhinia. A spell is cast on her at her christening by the wicked witch Horrifica - the princess will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep on her 16th birthday. Only the kiss of a prince will awaken her. Sleeping Beauty will be performed in English from Thursday to January 22 at 7.30pm, with weekend matinees at 2.30pm, at the Shouson Theatre of Hong Kong Arts Centre. Tickets cost $200 for children under 14 ($220 for adults). Reservations on Urbtix at 2734 9009. LIFE-LIKE PUPPET PERFORMANCE Sichuan Huge Puppet Troupe of China will stage a performance featuring life-sized puppets and folk dance. With animated facial features, the puppets are capable of producing life-like expressions and movements, such as putting on clothes, blowing out flames, lighting candles and drinking tea. Whimsical Puppets will be staged at 8pm on Thursday at Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre on Friday at Sha Tin Town Hall, on Saturday at Yuen Long Theatre and on Sunday at North District Town Hall. Ticket prices range from $35 to $65 for students ($70 to $130 for adults) and are available from Urbtix.
