Reviewer: Jemma Crowston
Rating: 5

Matthew Bourne’s award-winning Swan Lake was the must-see at Leicester’s Curve theatre this week.
Whether you love the theatre, like to watch contemporary dance pieces or just love classical music this is modern day classic that will keep your eyes firmly fixed on the stage.
Returning to the city after last year’s fantastic Dorian Gray, Director Bourne and his New Adventures company stunned the audience with its opening night of their re-interpretation of Swan Lake. The set design and its adaptability were astounding.
Combine this with the beautiful gowns and the Swans’ iconic costumes you’ve got a show to be reckoned with. It’s easy to see how the show has won over thirty international awards since Bourne replaced the traditional female corps de ballet with an ensemble of masculine swans in 1995.
I was surprised to see elements of humour blended into the story but it worked well to compliment the modern references throughout the performance.
When Jonathan Ollivier appeared on stage as the Swan you could see the passion oozing out of him as he danced. His prowess on stage was perfect for the role of the menacing creature.
The bewildering intensity between the Swan and the Prince, played by Simon Williams, was fascinating to watch. At times it was erotic which was made even more obvious with the powerful Tchaikovsky’s great score playing in the background.
When the curtains came down for the interval I was just itching for the show to start act two. By the end of the performance the audience including myself were marvelling at the extreme talent of the cast.
Tickets for the show are like gold dust and if you’re lucky enough to see this show you’ll be sure to have a brilliant night!

Tickets for Swan Lake at Curve are unfortunately sold out. However, the tour continues at the Glasgow Theatre Royal from 28 Sep-2 Oct (click here to book now!!) before embarking on a European leg starting in Milan.