Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake Review
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
Milton Keynes Theatre
29 January to 2 February 2014
Reviewed by Sue Knight
When I was asked to review this production I was sceptical. I’ve never listened to classical music, certainly haven’t been a fan of Tchaikovsky and the only ballet I’ve experienced is taking my daughters to classes for about a year and my disappearing childhood memories of my own ballet lessons. However, having never experienced this kind of performance I decided to go and see if I could understand what it was all about?
As the curtain opened the scene was set with the Prince (Liam Mower) lying in bed, waking up after experiencing a bad dream. Onto the stage entered a line of maids and a butler whom proceeded to lift the Prince from his bed and help him to get dressed. My first thought was how this was more like a theatrical performance than a ballet and instantly my interest grew.
The story continues to tell the story of how the Prince tries to find love with a women who was not accepted by the Queen (Madelaine Brennan), the Princes Mother. He discovers the seedy life of bars visiting the Swank Club where his girlfriend (Carrie Johnson) is partying hard. The Prince goes on a journey of self-destruction after being very hurt by the girlfriend’s behaviour. As he contemplates suicide on a Park bench a flock of swans appear and he is very much attracted to the lead swan (Chris Trenfield), realising the freedom and love that they possess. This is where the famous Swan Lake ballet dance takes place albeit by a flock of male swans, not a tutu or ballet shoe in site!
The 2nd act opens with the Palace ball, not only has the Princes ex-girlfriend managed to find a way into the ball but also the male swan who has become a leather clad stranger, the black swan. He proceeds to flirt with all the women, seducing them one by one, including the Queen, all the time knowing that he is annoying the Prince. In a fit of anger the Prince produces a gun, there is a confrontation between the two of them and in the confusion of what is going on the Queens Private Secretary (Jack Jones) shoots the girlfriend. The Prince ends up in prison, treated by doctors and strange masked nurse before being returned to the Palace to be cared for by the Queen.
The performance concludes with a very deep, moving dance routine by the swans where they turn on the Prince and the lead swan. As the Queen finds her Son dead the light above the bed shows the Prince in the arms of the male Swan.
How different this was to what I had expected, lots of dance styles, lovely costumes and beautiful music that I did not struggle listening to. The cast were amazing, the acting perfect, a collection of humour, romance, modern and classical dance and a fantastic twist on a, what can only be described as a memorable classical ballet. Particular credit has to go to Carrie Johnson who without a doubt played her role to perfection, very entertaining. Without a doubt Matthew Bourne has brought this Ballet up to date and will continue to appeal to a vast audience.
I think this is a perfect introduction to a Ballet style performance and would recommend it without hesitation. Never have I heard such applause in a theatre and a standing ovation was enjoyed by the cast and the audience.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £16.90 to £38.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here.
For tour dates visit swanlaketour.com/tour-dates.
