Review: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at the Lowry is ‘a bold, contemporary twist on a timeless classic’

As a huge fan of Tchaikovsky and the original Swan Lake, I had been initially reluctant on whether I would enjoy such changes in Matthew Bourne’s rendition.

However, I was completely floored by this astounding production, and will be recommending this to everyone.

This is the first production I have seen which received a full standing ovation, which highlights just how impressive the performance is and how well the audience took to this bold reimagining of a timeless classic.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is an imaginative reworking of the classic ballet, transforming the traditional tale into a striking, contemporary exploration of desire, isolation, and identity.

One of the most memorable and daring changes is the casting of male dancers as the swans.

This reimagining creates an intense masculinity and power into the swan scenes, portraying them as fierce and imposing figures with them even mimicking the sounds of swans.

The use of male swans not only challenges the traditional notions of masculinity and beauty but also serves as a powerful statement on vulnerability.

Matthew Bourne’s choreography masterfully blends classical ballet with contemporary dance, making the work more accessible while maintaining the emotional depth and narrative integrity of the original.

Masterful choreography

Bourne’s Swan Lake is set in a modern, often bleak world where the Prince is suffocated by the constraints of royalty and the spotlight from paparazzi.

Paul Constable does superb on the lighting design as the production is full with shadow and mood, using lighting to create an atmosphere of mystery.
The swans’ movements are elegantly haunting, enhancing the tension in the story.

The intimacy between the Prince and the Swan is shown through tight holds and dramatic lifts.

Set and costumes by Lez Brotherston

The set and costume design, by Lez Brotherston, are especially striking. The royal dresses throughout the show are immensely beautiful conveying who holds the true power in this world.

Fantastic choice for the girlfriend’s costume as she enters the stage in a tacky hot pink mini dress, which is in complete contrast with the sophisticated formal wear of the royals and their servants.

The swans costumes are minimal feathered pants, offering more escapism through the animalistic choice. The ensemble of swans create a powerful visual of beauty and strength.

Stephen Murray’s character, The Prince, explores emotional and psychological struggles which resonate with contemporary themes of identity and sexuality.

He experiences a whirlwind of tragedy and you sense his frustration, particularly through his facial expressions. Murray’s impressive dancing is dramatic and graceful all at once but nevertheless flawless. Even his emotional outbursts feel well executed.

Jackson Fisch as The Swan

Jackson Fisch’s captivating portrayal of The Swan leaves a lasting impression, seducing both the audience and the characters on stage.

Fisch’s introduces an undercurrent of sexual tension, particularly between the Prince and the Swan, adding layers of complexity to the emotional landscape of the story.

Fisch’s exceptional talent truly elevate the production through his fluid dancing which consistently offers rhythmic precision and emotional depth, making his performance unforgettable.

Ashley Shaw as Queen

Much admiration to Ashley Shaw, who plays the Queen, as her elegant dancing truly resembles royalty. Each step she takes on the stage is with grace and you can sense her delicacy when the male dancers lift her.

Bryony Wood’s performance of The Girlfriend produces a charm and humour to a cluelessly intense girl.

Most of the laughter from the audience happens during her performances and you find yourself building a fondness towards her.

Why you should go and see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a breathtaking reimagining of the iconic ballet, blending classical artistry with contemporary storytelling to create a poignant exploration of identity, desire, and isolation.

With a bold decision to cast male dancers as the swans, the production redefines traditional ballet aesthetics, infusing the performance with raw power, vulnerability, and emotional depth.

Stephen Murray as the conflicted Prince and Jackson Fisch as the magnetic Swan deliver mesmerising performances, while Ashley Shaw and Bryony Wood bring elegance and humour to their respective roles.

Complemented by Paul Constable’s atmospheric lighting and Lez Brotherston’s striking set and costume design, this production captivates with its haunting choreography, intricate narrative, and visually stunning execution, leaving audiences enthralled and deeply moved.

Tickets for Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at the Lowry

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake will be showing in The Lowry between 19th November until 30th November.

You can get tickets by clicking here