To say this production of SWAN LAKE has been a long time coming would be an understatement, in fact, for the first time in 14 years, Matthew Bourne’s stunning production arrived at Wales Millennium Centre last night as part of a UK tour to celebrate 30 years of the legendary production.
When the show premiered almost 3 decades ago it caused a bit of a sensation, and when Matthew collected a special Olivier Award a few years ago, it was this production he featured in his recognition section. We were there that night and the atmosphere was electric as the company performed a section from what has since become the most successful dance theatre production of all time.
We spoke to some of the audience members at the end of last night’s show. We met dancers, teachers and a ‘ballet newbie’. But what did they think of Swan Lake?
It’s often said to those who think ballet or classical music is not for them that a Matthew Bourne (New Adventures) production will turn that opinion completely on its head, and none more so than Swan Lake. The storytelling is breathtaking, both emotional and funny in all the right places. As usual what you can always expect is the unexpected, and once again the company deliver that, and some.
When the show debuted some thirty years ago it did ruffle a few feathers but Matthew Bourne is renowned for throwing traditional out of the window and pretty much doing away with the things we’ve come to expect. What we are given is an incredible reimagining of a classic ballet which feels fresher than ever and fills the Donald Gordon stage with the most talented company of dancers you’ll see anywhere.
Many of the dancers within the company have trained with the New Adventures talent development program which supports training dancers from backgrounds with limited access to the arts.
Matthew Bourne said….
“Many of these dancers have been nurtured through our talent development programmes at New Adventures, notably Swan School. I know from experience what a life changing experience this show has been for previous casts and how it has inspired new audiences for dance throughout the world. I am, therefore, truly thrilled to welcome the next generation of swans and swan watchers as we celebrate three decades of our Swan Lake.”
It’s a huge company of on stage talent, technical and production with Sir Matthew Bourne at the helm. You can find out more about the entire New Adventures company HERE.
There are some incredible performances on our stage this week. JACKSON FISCH is outstanding as The Swan, STEPHEN MURRAY is equally so as The Prince. NICOLE KABERA delivers a regal performance as The Queen and KATRINA LYNDON is truly hilarious as the annoying, trying to climb the social ladder Girlfriend.
Without giving too much away there’s a scene which takes place in an on-stage theatre, within the Donald Gordon auditorium The antics in the Royal Box are as funny as the dancing is precise and professional. There’s so much going on you’ll not know where to watch.
I also want to mention JAMES LOVELL as The Private Secretary. In a little nod to pantomime, he received a playful booing from the audience at the end, a credit to the intensity of his performance.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake isn’t just a performance – it’s a visceral, breathtaking experience that carves itself into your memory. With every bold step, aching glance, and sweeping movement, it tells a story so exceptional, so moving, and so defiantly human that you’ll carry it with you long after the curtain falls. This isn’t just theatre – it’s a transformation.
MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE is at the Wales Millennium Centre for the rest of the week with performances at 7:30pm each evening and a 2:20pm matinee tomorrow (Thursday) and Saturday. Tickets are available but are showing limited availability on most shows. For more details go HERE.
