Matthew Bourne first brought his version of Swan Lake to the stage in 1995. Pushing boundaries and adding his unique flair to the well-known and loved ballet Swan Lake set to the score composed by Tchaikovsky.

The Prince (James Lovell) and The Queen (Katrina Lyndon) take on the regal roles with elegance and dignity at first. The audience soon starts to see the cracks in their relationship and The Queen flirts with many of the Royal household. It’s unclear if she is attempting to make the Prince jealous or bored, perhaps a combination of both.

Bryony Wood plays an outstanding role as the “outsider” who becomes the Prince’s girlfriend and is treated badly by those inside the Royal circle especially the underhanded Private Secretary played by Cameron Flynn.

However, everyone is thrown by the appearance of the dark, mysterious and dangerous stranger in the second act played by the outstanding dancer Harrison Dowzell.

Traditional themes and casting are changed. The all-female-led lamentation of Swans on the lake is swapped to an all-male herd of Swans. Complete with swan-like calls that you might hear when they are feeling threatened or challenged. The dancers are entrancing and the scenes are beautifully choreographed by Bourne.

Lez Brotherson created a fantastic array of costumes. The butterflies used in the production attended by the Royals and their entourage burst with colour onto the stage and the delicate details on their wings were enchanting.

Every detail in every scene leaves an impression on you from the grand bed in the Royal bedroom to the overhanging branches across the Swan Lake. Nothing is there by accident or only half finished.

With any Matthew Bourne production be prepared to forget what you have seen before from other production companies and be prepared to become challenged and “wowed” by the creativity each one will contain.

This is by far the best ballet version of Swan Lake I have seen in a long time and I would encourage anyone who is a fan of the ballet to go and watch it.

For more information about the touring production of Swan Lake and future productions at New Victoria Theatre Woking, please use the link below.

Five Stars

Photo credit: Johan Persson

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matthew-bournes-swan-lake/new-victoria-theatre/

Directed and Choreographed by: Matthew Bourne
Produced by: New Adventures
Composed by: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set and Costume Design by: Lez Brotherston
Lighting Design by: Paule Constable
Sound Design by: Ken Hampton
Video Projection Design by: Duncan McLean