Swan Lake at the Buxton Opera House Review
Swan Lake
Buxton Opera House
19 March 2016
Reviewed by Catherine Brown
Twenty-something years after watching my first ballet, I finally got to watch another in the form of Swan Lake at Buxton Opera House. The venue is in the centre of a pretty Derbyshire town surrounded by the Peak District National Park. Finding the theatre was easy due to the brown signs as soon as you enter the area. There were a variety of parking options and we chose the Pavilion Gardens, which is just a short walk from the entrance.
Swan Lake is one of the five ballets being performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia as they tour the UK. The ballet company was formed in 1978 by graduates from a selection of Russian choreographic schools. The performers comprise of 14 soloists and more than 20 corps de ballet plus their own orchestra.
The story starts with Prince Siegfried celebrating his 21st birthday. His mother reminds him that the time has come to arrange his marriage. Pondering the future the Prince runs to the woods with his friend Benno. Prince Siegfried finds himself alone by a lake where a group of swans are swimming. While Siegfried watches, he spots the most beautiful swan with a crown on its head.
Prince Siegfried orders Benno to leave so he can be by himself. As dusk falls, the swan with the crown turns into the most striking young woman he has ever seen. Her name is Odette, and her evil father has cast a spell which means she is a swan swimming in the lake formed by the tears of her grieving grandfather. She explains that the only way the spell could be broken is if a man pledges his love to her. The Prince invites Odette to the Grand Ball as he would like to make her his bride. This is witnessed by Odette’s father disguised as a raven.
The interval allowed us to explore the facilities at the Opera House. We were able to appreciate the ornate décor of the theatre which was restored in 2001 (It had previously spent many years as a cinema).The staff were very welcoming and polite and we were able to purchase ice cream and bagged sweets. There were also a selection of soft and hot drinks and alcoholic beverages – although it might not suit everyone to drink wine out of a plastic cup. The toilets were clean and adequate, but they do get busy due to the number of visitors.
Act 2 begins with guests arriving at the castle for the Grand Ball. Prince Siegfried is presented with princesses from many countries who dance for him. Although they are worthy of his attention, his heart belongs to Odette. His mother orders him to choose a bride, but he cannot. Suddenly trumpets announce the arrival of Baron Rothbart. He brings his daughter, Odile, on whom he has cast a spell to appear as Odette. The prince is captivated by her beauty and he dances with her while the true Odette watches him from a window. The prince soon confesses his love to Odile, thinking that she is Odette.
As Odette flees from the castle Prince Siegfried realises his mistake. Baron Rothbart reveals the true appearance of his daughter Odile causing the prince to leave the party and chase after Odette. She has fled back to the lake and joined the rest of the swans. Prince Siegfried finds her and explains to Odette the trickery of Baron Rothbart and she grants him her forgiveness. Realising they cannot be together he grabs the raven and jumps into the lake. Odette is left grieving for her beloved Prince.
Although a tragedy, the ballet is not entirely without humour. My favourite character was Wolfgang, the Prince’s tutor, who makes an entertaining drunk at the birthday party. I also enjoyed the dances by the maidens from other countries such as Hungary, Russia and Spain which added colour to the show. The story is accessible to newcomers to the ballet and it was lovely to see so many young children in the audience, possibly attending for their first time. I will certainly make sure that it will not be another 20 years before I go to the ballet again and would happily enjoy another performance by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia.
Rating: 5/5 
For other shows at the Buxton Opera House visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN | 0845 127 2190
