There's a reason Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake has become one of the most loved dance shows in the world. Thirty years after it first shocked and delighted audiences, this daring take on Tchaikovsky's classic ballet remains as fresh and exciting as ever.
If you think you know Swan Lake, think again. Bourne throws out the tutus and brings in an all-male cast of swans who are powerful, dangerous, and deeply moving. These aren't delicate creatures gliding across a lake – they're raw, wild, and slightly threatening. The effect is stunning.
The story stays true to the heart of the original. A lonely young prince, trapped by duty and longing for love, finds himself drawn to a mysterious swan. But Bourne's version feels modern and real. The prince's isolation and his search for connection hit home in ways that feel truly relevant today.
The dancing is simply outstanding. The male swans move as one, their bare feet stamping and their arms creating those iconic wing movements that have been copied countless times since. There's real strength and emotion in every movement. The lead dancers bring both grace and pain to their roles, making you feel every moment of the prince's journey.
Bourne's choreography mixes classical ballet with contemporary dance and even touches of humour. One moment you're watching something beautiful and heartbreaking, the next there's a scene that makes you smile. The palace scenes have a sharp wit to them, poking fun at stuffy royal life, while the lake scenes are pure magic.
Lez Brotherston's designs create distinct worlds – the cold, formal palace and the mysterious, moonlit lake. The lighting brings everything to life, shifting from harsh spotlight to soft, dreamy blues. And of course, Tchaikovsky's gorgeous music ties it all together, reminding us why this score has endured for over a century.
It's easy to see why this show has won over 40 awards, including an Olivier and three Tonys. It takes something familiar and makes it feel brand new. It's bold without being gimmicky, emotional without being sentimental.
If there's a small quibble, it's that the show occasionally feels its length, particularly in the second act. A couple of scenes could be tightened without losing impact. But these are minor points in an otherwise brilliant production.
Whether you're a ballet fan or someone who thinks dance isn't for you, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake deserves your attention. It's moving, exciting, funny, and ultimately heartbreaking. Thirty years on, it still feels like nothing else you'll see on stage.
It runs until 4 October. Tickets: here.
Photos: Johan Persson
Main cast:
The Prince - James Lovell
The Swan/The Stranger - Rory Macleod
The Queen - Katrina Lyndon
The Girlfriend/Bag Lady/Nurse 8 - Bryony Wood
The Private Secretary - Cameron Flynn