BRB Swan Lake at the Theatre Royal Plymouth Review
Swan Lake
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
27-29 October 2015
Reviewed by Linda Curtain
What a mesmerising evening I have just spent at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth to do a review of the Birmingham Royal Ballet version of Swan Lake. One of the best loved ballets, the Birmingham Royal Ballet company have certainly excelled in putting on a really fantastic production.
An evening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth is always something special and this show proves the point. The theatre is located on the main Royal Parade so is easy to access by car, foot or public transport. Parking is quite simple with three car parks within the vicinity. Such an impressive building with great lighting, the theatre always looks welcoming and when you attend a production there, you are always greeted by helpful, friendly staff.
On arriving, we collected our tickets and programme before settling into our seats – the stage view was perfect! As soon as the Royal Ballet Sinfonia started playing the wonderful Tchaikovsky score, we knew we were in for a brilliant evening.
The ballet has four acts with two intervals which enabled changes to the magnificent scenery.
Act 1 was set in the courtyard of the castle where the Prince Siegfried (danced by Yasuo Atsuji ) had learned of his father’s death which now meant he had to marry and take on his father’s role. The thought of giving up his freedom saddened Siegfried, so his equerry Benno (danced by Max Maslen) arranges some entertainment to distract him – a great opportunity to show the dance ability of the company. Siegfried and Benno are such strong energetic dancers – quite breath-taking to see the elevation in their leaps and jumps!
Act 2 moved to the lake side where Princess Odette (danced by Nao Sakuma) and her companions have been transformed into swans under a spell cast by the wicked Baron von Rothbart (danced by Jonathan Payn). The wonderful cygnets dance is in this act – a well known and loved part of Swan Lake. As Siegfried approaches the swan turns back into the princess and he falls in love with her. This scene is truly beautiful with the whole company dancing as one body – every move in perfect time. Such a talent to make ballet look so easy!!
Act 3 returns to the castle where a grand reception has been planned to try to secure a wife for Siegfried. When von Rothbart’s daughter – Odile – arrives disguised as Odette, Siegfried is fooled into asking for her hand in marriage. Odette oversees this through the window and returns to the lake. This scene gives opportunity for the company to display the variety of their dance styles with many national dances being performed.
Act 4 has a breath-taking opening where the swan maiden’s rise out of a lake made of dry ice – a stunning start to a sad scene! Despite begging for forgiveness, Odette cannot forgive Siegfried and deciding they cannot live apart, they throw themselves into the lake and are finally seen as eternal lovers as the spell is broken.
The stage settings and scenery are brilliant throughout – the costume detail superb and the music really carries the ballet along in the dramatic scenes.
Under the direction of David Bintley, this company have certainly excelled yet again. It is always a pleasure to watch the Birmingham Royal Ballet and such a beautiful ballet was again danced to perfection.
A well-deserved five star rating.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12 to £39 (booking fees may apply).
Swan Lake is at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth until 29 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01752 267222.
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222
