Storytelling with mime and dance at the Birmingham Royal Ballet

Revenge, death, sleep and celebration - just some of the themes portrayed using mime in the classic tale of The Sleeping Beauty.

Mime has been an intrinsic part of classical ballet for centuries. It is used to spell out particular moments in the story and this silent language was commonplace in early theatre productions.

In the Birmingham Royal Ballet's production, Marion Tait is the wicked fairy Carabosse. She uses mime to convey her anger at not being invited to the to the christening of Princess Aurora, and vows that one day the Princess shall prick her finger and die.

The Lilac Fairy, Delia Mathews, promises that Aurora shall not die but instead fall into a deep sleep.

The BBC spoke to Marion Tait and Delia Mathews during rehearsals at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Video journalist: Tom Beal Producer: Claudia Redmond