Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a production that redefined the dance world when it premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 1995. Shattering convention with its bold choice to replace the traditional female swan corps with a strikingly masculine ensemble, the show became a cultural phenomenon. Over its three decades, it has won over 30 international awards, including Olivier and Tony accolades, and earned its place as the longest-running full-length ballet on both the West End and Broadway. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary with a UK tour, this revival demonstrates why Bourne’s masterpiece remains timeless, enthralling new audiences while offering a fresh perspective to returning fans.
Bourne’s adaptation of Swan Lake maintains the heart of Tchaikovsky’s original story but adds new layers of depth and emotion. The tale follows a troubled Prince (Stephen Murray), suffocated by royal obligations and longing for affection from his cold, aloof mother, the Queen (Ashley Shaw). Despite his attempts to connect with others, including the bubbly and awkward Girlfriend (Bryony Wood), his isolation deepens.
The Prince’s despair leads him to a lake where he encounters a Swan (Jackson Fisch) – a figure of wild grace, raw power, and magnetism. This Swan becomes a source of comfort and fascination for the Prince, sparking a connection that is equal parts tender and tempestuous. However, the serenity of the lake is shattered in Act III, where the Swan transforms into the enigmatic and predatory Stranger, ruthlessly unravelling the Prince's fragile world.
Through Bourne’s lens, Swan Lake becomes a deeply human story of love, loss, identity, and longing. The complex dynamics between characters are brought to life with a deft blend of pathos and humour, and the narrative culminates in a devastatingly poignant finale that leaves the audience breathless.
Lez Brotherston’s iconic set design continues to astonish, seamlessly transporting the audience from sterile royal chambers to the ethereal beauty of the lake. Paule Constable’s lighting amplifies the drama, bathing the stage in shimmering blues and casting ominous shadows that echo the story’s emotional undercurrents. Brotherston’s costumes, particularly the primal and powerful attire of the swans, enhance the narrative’s emotional depth. Tchaikovsky’s original score soars under Bourne’s direction, seamlessly blending with the production’s contemporary flourishes to create a soundscape that is both timeless and evocative.
The cast of this anniversary production is flawless. Stephen Murray shines as the emotionally vulnerable Prince, delivering a heart-wrenching performance, capturing every nuance of his emotional journey. Ashley Shaw is regal and icy as the Queen, balancing power with subtle disdain, perfectly complementing Murray’s performance. Bryony Wood charms as the hapless Girlfriend, her comedic timing providing much-needed levity amidst the drama. Benjamin Barlow Bazeley’s Private Secretary is delightfully officious, offering a sharp contrast to the chaos unfolding around him. Jackson Fisch is utterly captivating as the Swan, exuding raw power and grace in equal measure, and his dual portrayal as the seductive Stranger is a masterclass in transformation. The ensemble of swans, with their feral energy and striking synchronicity, are nothing short of mesmerising.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a triumph, proving once again why this production has become a cultural touchstone. Bold, beautiful, and profoundly moving, this 30th-anniversary revival breathes new life into a masterpiece, honouring its legacy while captivating a new generation of audiences. With breathtaking visuals, electrifying performances, and Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, it’s a dazzling spectacle of dance, storytelling, and innovation, weaving humour and heartbreak into a narrative that resonates as deeply today as it did 30 years ago.
Prepare to laugh, cry, and marvel—this is dance theatre at its finest, with Swan Lake continuing to soar.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is on at The Lowry until Saturday 30th November 2024, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
Photo Credit - Johan Persson - Photos from a previous production
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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