Swan Lake at the Birmingham Hippodrome Review
Swan Lake
Birmingham Hippodrome
Performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet
28 September to 6 October 2015
Reviewed by Victoria Linney
We took the train to the theatre as it is only a few minutes walk from Grand Central/New Street Station in Birmingham. On arriving we collected our tickets and programme were greeted by very lovely members of staff.
We had been allocated brilliant seats in the stalls in row L and right next to the aisle.
The performance was split into 4 Acts.
Act 1 was set in a courtyard in the castle. Following the death of his father, Prince Siegfried (Tyrone Singleton) is to be crowned King but he must marry. He however is not so keen on this idea. It is his 21st birthday and his equerry Benno (William Bracewell) gives him a cross bow. The Queen is not impressed by the celebration when she is still in mourning. She reminds Prince Siegfried that he must choose a bride from 3 princesses who will attend a grand reception. Benno attempts to cheer Siegfried up by taking him out to try out his new cross bow on a flock of swans that have just passed. William Bracewell does some amazing dancing as Benno in this Act, while Prince Siegfried shows such emotion that you totally emphasise with him wanting to stay free and single.
There is a 3 min interval while they change the set.
Act 2 is set on the lakeside in the moonlight. Baron Von Rothbart (Jonathan Payn) is an evil Magician and has transformed Princess Odette (Celine Gittens) and her companions into swans. It is only between midnight and dawn that they become human again. The magician hides when Siegfried arrives. The prince sees a swan turn into a beautiful girl right before his eyes. She explains that unless someone is to swear an oath of undying love to her then the enchantment cannot be broken. The prince declares his love for her and swears to be true to her. They agree that Odette will visit the castle the next night. This act shows off the amazing dance abilities of both Celine and Tyrone.
There is then a 20 minute interval before the third act begins giving us time to go and get some refreshments.
Act 3 set in the ballroom of the Castle. The three princesses dance for Siegfried at the Grand reception but his mind it on Odette. The princesses all perform lovely dances as do their companions in very different styles but brilliant to watch.
The evil magician arrives disguised as an ambassador and brings with him his daughter Odile (again played by Celine) who is disguised as Odette. The prince believes it is the real Odette and declares his love for her and proposes. Odette appears at the window and sees this and flees. Siegfried runs after her.
Act 4 is set by the Lakeside. Odette returns to the swan maidens and is distraught; she wishes to drown herself while she is still human. Siegfried arrives and begs her forgiveness, while she forgives him it does not change the fact that he broke his vow and the enchantment cannot be lifted. Odette and Siegfried cannot live apart so even though Von Rothbart tries to stop him Siegfried throws himself in the lake after Odette. At Dawn the spell is broken and they will live together in a world of eternal love.
My Mum and I were totally captivated by this performance of Swan Lake by the Birmingham Royal Ballet. I can only say that it was totally amazing! I would recommend everyone to go and see this show. Celine was a perfect swan princess; we also loved it when 4 of the ladies did the traditional swan dance. The whole cast and crew did such a wonderful job. The orchestra also deserve as epical mention as to the set team as they were great too. Once of the courtesans was off sick and was replaced by Ruth Brill. The only reason we knew it was the original performer was because they advised us of the cast change before the show started. Ruth did a fab job.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £19 (booking fees may apply).
Swan Lake is at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 6 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 338 5000.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB | 0844 338 5000
