Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Sarah Lou

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake -The Next Generation is back on tour. This legendary show is performed by New Adventures and is celebrating the 30th Anniversary since its premiere at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London 

Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of the classical ballet with a musical score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky still remains ground breaking 30 years on. You are always in for a treat when you experience Bourne’s vision on stage and this thought provoking and controversial performance of Swan Lake 

I have previously seen Swan Lake as a classical ballet but never seen Bourne’s contemporary ballet. 

I can see the allure of watching Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. An award winner and the most successful dance theatre production of all times it continues to pull in to attract the first generation of fans and a new generation. 

During the interval I spoke to people who have seen the show multiple times when it has previously toured who told me there are always adaptations and alterations to the choreography and tweaks to the story and setting allowing the performances to remain familiar yet fresh. 

Having however previously seen other performances by the New Adventures Bourne’s signature style is evident and familiar, I love how he always has mini performances during scenes to add zest to the dramas.

The performance is very character driven with a touch of comedy and mystery, Bourne successfully challenges social norms. 

The lead character roles are shared between 2 and 4 performers who will each bring their own vision and creativity to the characters they play and grow to love time and time again.

I would suggest you have a look at the synopsis or visit the New Adventures website which boasts some great insights into their version of Swan Lake and Bourne’s vision. I appreciate however that the performance allows you to have your own interpretations of what is going on.

Bourne’s Swan Lake focuses on the intimate yet dysfunctional relationship of a young Prince (Stephen Murray) and his mother the Queen (Katrina Lyndon). Her dresses are breathtakingly beautiful and add enhancement to her powerful role.

The Prince is following a quest for love filled with angst and instability.

He seeks love from his mother, his common as muck girlfriend who is attempting to climb the social ladder (Bryony Wood) then his tempestuous relationship with the swan/stranger (Jackson Fisch). The leather clad Stranger is a character of desire is the interpretation of the Black swan. The Swan and stranger are both mysterious and provocative. Finally adding to the main cast the Private secretary (Cameron Flynn) who adds tension to the royal drama.

The seven Princesses have amazing costumes which add to their different characters and enhance the visual enjoyment of the performance adding panache.

The cast of Male swans was most controversial as traditionally this is cast by females but this troop of men dance beautifully as swans with their stomping and clicking they will be captivated and are mesmerising with a mixture or camp and then creepy mythical and primal their performances are synchronised and energetic and strong and enchanting.

Lez Brotherston, a long time collaborator with Matthew Bourne is responsible for the set and the costume design as previously stated the costumes for the men are simple and effective and the ladies are stunning shapes that flow and sequins that sparkle and shine and are altered and enhanced by the lighting.

The set is iconic and I love how it is designed to give you the ability to visually see when the Prince is struggling and his sense of reality is distorted and how things loom over him on a large scale.

Another 5 star performance by New Adventures Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake the next generation is a must see production be  it at Bradford Alhambra or any other venue on the tour.

Rating: 5/5

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk