Posts with the label Swan Lake
Showing posts with label Swan Lake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swan Lake. Show all posts
Sunday, 28 September 2025
Swan Lake Review 2025: A Young Dancer’s Take on Matthew Bourne’s Iconic Ballet
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
I didn’t really know what to expect when I went to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, but it totally blew me away. First of all, the swans were played by men, which was surprising at first, but actually made the story feel way more powerful and intense. The dancing was amazing – super sharp and full of emotion. You could really tell what the characters were feeling, even though there were no words.
I do ballet myself, so watching this was honestly really inspiring. It made me want to work harder in class and try new ways of expressing emotion through dance. The way the dancers moved was so strong and full of feeling – it wasn’t just about being perfect, it was about telling a story.
The swan costumes looked wild and kind of scary, but in a cool way. Their design was so free and the way the feathers moved as they jumped and spun was incredible.
The music by Tchaikovsky was beautiful and dramatic, and the way it matched the dancing gave me goosebumps. I found the dream scenes confusing and strange but I could still follow it. My favourite part was the mini play because it reflected the story in such a funny and amusing way and the reactions from the pink lady was so funny . I especially loved when she dropped the purse and the queen rolls her eyes at her.
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake wasn’t like any ballet I’ve seen before, but I loved it. It was emotional, creative, and totally unforgettable.
★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd September by Freya Myers
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Friday, 6 March 2020
Swan Lake, Royal Opera House | Review
Swan Lake
Royal Opera House
Reviewed on Thursday 5th March 2020 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Liam Scarlett's Swan Lake is impressively grand, impeccably danced and a joy to experience. From a dark, misty lakeside to a glittering palace, this is a ballet that balances storytelling and spectacle perfectly. The entire company dance exquisitely, with Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov completely shining in the lead roles.
With John Macfarlane's lush designs, this is a highly confident production which keeps pace throughout and allows the dancing to shine. Based in the 1890s the sets and costumes are sumptuous and evocative. Even the park outside the palace gates feels magical. The more abstract lake is ragged and bleak but provides a perfect, (almost) blank canvas to showcase the many swans. The palace is astounding, with a sweeping staircase, marble walls, golden decoration and a crimson curtain. It's a gasp worthy set that really does stun. Macfarlane's costumes are structured but wonderfully airy. The white tutu's of the swans are delicate and almost snow-like as they pepper the stage. Alongside them, David Finn's lighting keeps everything gleaming and makes sure not a step is missed by the enraptured audience.
Scarlett has kept Petipa and Ivanov's original choreography as well as seamlessly adding his own sequences. The new Act One Waltz is divine, with Marcelino Sambé's Benno bringing excellent lighthearted and sprightly moments. Act Three features a series of national dances, with Itziar Mendizabal's sultry Spanish princess really shining. The newly updated Neapolitan Dance feels modern and uplifting thanks to the addition of tambourines which are deftly used.
The Act Four pas de deux is one of the most magical ballet moments I have ever witnessed. The gentleness with which Siegfried and Odette interact is mesmirising and crushing to watch; and the almost broken choreography from Odette is immensely effective and makes the lack of reunion at the end even more devastating.
Nuñez's dancing is as floaty and measured as you could dream of. The control with which every step is taken is a testament to the hours of work which have clearly been put into perfecting her craft. Extremely evident in the seemingly endless series of fouettés which really astound. Even in the seductive Black Swan moments, there is a delicacy to her dancing which draws you in and manages to make the vast Opera House feel intimate. Muntagirov is the prince of dreams as he combines romance and aristocratic grace. His elevations and soft as anything landings are magnificent to watch and his entire performance is a treat.
This is a hugely moving production which must be the definitive version of Swan Lake. The stellar cast and orchestra under the baton of Koen Kessels provide treats for all the senses and a truly magical night out. Everything really is beautiful at the ballet.
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 16th April 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake premiered in 1995 and has since received critical and audience acclaim. Bourne's Swan Lake which replaces the female swans with an ensemble of skilled, menacing men, is one of the most groundbreaking ballet retellings and remains fresh and innovative today.
In typically Bourne fashion, the storyline is dark but with many injections of humour and fine attention to detail (the adorable Corgi which crosses the stage is just one example). The set is extravagant and luxurious enough to make you forget you're watching a touring production. Equally, Lez Brotherston has done an outstanding job with the delicately designed costumes which conjure up the atmosphere of each scene and setting wonderfully. Particularly impressive are the glamorous ballroom scenes where everything sparkles and shines; and the sinister hospital scene where masks bring a nightmarish world to life against stark white.
The entirety of this ballet is fantastically nuanced, with every emotion interpreted perfectly. The balance between dance, comedy and drama is exquisite and there are often so many brilliant things happening at once that you don't know where to look. This production is truly a feast for the eyes.
Tchaikovsky's score also provides a feast for the ears. The Swan Lake Orchestra's lush, virtuosic recording shines and soars exactly as one would wish. The recognisable music, accompanied by masculine dance has the audience transfixed from open to close.
Max Westwell as The Swan is outstandingly multi-faceted. At times he is menacing as he rears up, but equally calm and regal as he defensively bows down. The contrast is amazing to watch as is the way the Price (Dominic North) complements him. The pair are both strong and delicate as they create a thrilling union on stage.
Nicole Kabera is suitably regal as the queen, with Freya Field a complete contrast, constantly stepping on toes and causing laughs as the Girlfriend. Both ladies are highlights of the production.
Swan Lake is a sumptuous production full of glorious moments which you'd be hard pressed not to revel in. A powerful, intricately choreographed and danced show, this is a must see for ballet regulars and newbies alike.
Swan Lake runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until April 20th, before continuing its tour.
photo credit: Johan Persson
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