Lidia Dodsworth heads to Newcastle Theatre Royal to review Matthew Bourne’s ever-so-beautiful Swan Lake, on until 5 April…

This season, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Matthew Bourne’s marvelous adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. It first premiered in 1996 at London’s Piccadilly Theatre. It became the longest-running full-length dance classic and an Olivier Award winner for Best New Dance Production, steadily growing in popularity.

A little background of the show

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a contemporary adaptation of the classical Tchaikovsky’s ballet score. Bourne’s style of contempary ballet has challenged the world of art and dance through his postmodern approach over the last 30 years. In each new generation of dancers he has adapted his choreography and style to appeal to his audience members.

He takes a classical piece and allows us to follow the story of a young prince. A prince, who struggles to find his place in the palace household reflecting a difficult relationship with the Queen (his mother). The prince noticeably struggles with his role in the royal family, facing strict rules and expectations.

A story of Romeo & Romeo

The prince meets a young woman, a carefree socialite and party girl. He builds a sincere relationship with her, only to later find out that it was a set up by his private secretary within the palace. Confused and hurt we see the prince at his most vulnerable having a very real inner fight with himself.

He finds himself by a lake, reading ‘Do not feed the swans.’ He’s in awe of the swan for its beauty and the fluidity of its freedom. He is captivated and teased by the ensemble of other swans whilst trying to get close to the lead swan.

From the dreamlike world of dancing with swans to the reality of the palace, he later meets the swan as a stranger at a palace ball. This is where a flirtatious and rather raunchy evening begins to unfold, leading to jealousy and conflict.

The prince, unable to publicly be accepted for his love towards this mysterious stranger, is believed to be mentally ill and a disgrace within the palace and society. A true Romeo & Romeo ending.

Review: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Newcastle Theatre Royal

In this show, it is evident that Matthew highlights current themes of sexual identity, relationships, betrayal, love and even death. In a world of ballet that can be conservative, Bourne breaks its barriers with his male swan cast.

To be in a theatre hearing the late Tchaikovsky’s Swan lake sends goosebumps all over.

Lez Brotherston, a mastermind of stage and costume design, captivates viewers from the start. He does so by displaying the most grandest of beds in his royal chambers to the beauty and sheer perfection of every swan’s feathered appearance.

This show is incredibly powerful and thought provoking. You will likely want to see it for a second time, like myself! There is so much to unpack in the storyline because of the mystery and twisted relationships conveyed.

Compared to Matthew Bourne’s 2018 performance at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal there have been noticeable alterations. This is something Matthew Bourne continues to do to keep his performances relevant within present day and fresh in contemporary dance.

My final word – a truly flawless performance from the new next generation Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. See it before its over!

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake plays Newcastle Theatre Royal until 5 April. Tickets are available at theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.