Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake: The Next Generation, UK Tour Review (2025)
Jackson Fisch (The Swan) in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Photo by Johan Persson
Written by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Please note: Fake blood and prop gun used during the show. Some scenes may not be suitable for younger children.
As part of its 30th anniversary 2024-25 UK Tour, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake returns to the Nottingham stage, reimagining Tchaikovsky's masterpiece like never before. This groundbreaking production blends traditional ballet and a fully classical score with a more contemporary presentation, earning worldwide acclaim for its bold and innovative reinvention.
This production retains the essential themes in Tchaikovsky's classical Swan Lake, but Bourne crafted something bolder, psychological, unnerving, and heartbreaking in this tale of a Prince who longs to escape his royal responsibility. He craves the love and attention of his frosty mother and is haunted by visions of gathering swans. But what makes Bourne’s production unique from those before, he introduced one of the most important shifts in the dance world. Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake puts male ballet dancers at the forefront, giving them a higher pedestal than the woman.
When a production has been performed countless times, it can be easy to lose its original impact. However, what keeps this Swan Lake captivating is the precision and control of its choreography. It is this meticulous artistry that preserves the timeless beauty of the piece, ensuring it continues to mesmerise audiences.
One of the most memorable sections of the show comes in Act Two when the ensemble of male swans takes to the stage. The bodies in the space create striking visuals of the muscular, graceful yet extremely intimidating swans. What helps reduce the intensity of this production there are some great incorporations of slapstick-style comedy and the audience soaked it all in.
Of course, the standout performances of the night came from that of Harrison Dowzell (The Swan/Stranger) and James Lovell (The Prince). They intertwine with one another in a heartbreaking and powerful performance from the moment they first meet. Their pas de deux is incredibly tender and powerful, romantic and sensual. It's a striking piece of dance which keeps you at their every move, their moves executed right to the end. It's a startling contrast to the intense eye contact between the two in the Dance Ball scene as they dance with their respective partner. The variation in the atmosphere is really played well by this duo.
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake continues to captivate audiences 30 years on, preserving the beauty and brilliance of its original production. As bold and fresh as it was at its 1995 premiere, it still draws new audiences eager to experience its magic—something I witnessed firsthand from the excitement of theatregoers around me. Timeless and breathtaking, it remains one of the greatest dance productions ever created. If you haven’t seen it for yourself yet, what are you waiting for?
At Theatre Royal, Nottingham until 22 February 2025. Other seasonal highlights at the theatre include The Shark is Broken, Nikita Kuzmin’s Midnight Dancer and Kinky Boots. Head to their website now to find out more.
★★★★★
