Back Row Productions and Sadler’s Wells present A New Adventures Production

Mathew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Director and Choreographer Matthew Bourne

Set and Costume Design Lez Brotherston Lighting Design Rick Fisher

Associate Directors Scott Ambler and Etta Murfitt

Resident Tour Directors Scott Ambler and Steve Kirkham

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 1^st February 2010.

This is not the classical ballet Swan Lake; it could be considered an interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s music via contemporary dance which has been influenced by ballet. Now fifteen years old it has seen several major re workings and is still constantly evolving. It contains comedy, pathos and positively drips sensuality although some interpret this as sexuality which fifteen years ago tended to be labelled homoerotic, you will have to make up your own mind about this. It stars a prince who is crying out for some kind of emotional contact beyond the dutiful Queen and her corgi dogs. It even laughs at itself when you get a ballet within a ballet set at the opera house and I am sure the abiding image that everyone will take away with them after seeing this is that of the flock of male swans, at once beautiful and dangerous, simultaneously exhibiting grace and menace.

Dominic North gives an excellent performance as the Prince displaying the vulnerability required for this part which is inevitably overshadowed by the swan when he eventually appears. The Queen taken by Nina Goldman maintains a regal air throughout; indeed one could say aloof, not an easy task particularly when one also has to appear sexy as in the dance with the stranger. The third major part which as usual steals the show is that of the swan/stranger admirably played by Richard Winsor, undoubtedly helped by the fact that he has a body to die for.  Maddy Brennan was extremely funny as the girlfriend, whilst Steve Kirkham demonstrated appropriate reserve as the private secretary. Although the stars may catch the limelight the strength of any dance production is down to the ensemble and these dancers are very very good.

Lez Brotherston’s set and costume designs are outstanding, from the simplicity of the swan breeches and the genius of the painted beak to the lavishness of the Royal Ball costumes coupled with the ‘70s nostalgia of the club and the point where the whole of the female cast are Queen clones. I was also impressed by the butterfly costumes worn by the dancers in the spoof ballet. This scene allowed a touch of total glittering fantasy counterpointed by the drab yet still fantastic costumes of the wood demons. I particularly liked the Queen’s scarlet dress,  worn with black petticoats it created a dramatic contrast which was magnified by the fact that everyone else on the stage was wearing black, the effect was stunning. The Queen wore glittering diamante tiaras and some of the costumes were decorated with diamante or sequins.

 The scenery was excellent I loved the tree branches with the full moon shining behind them and there was an interesting effect which created the impression of water. The solidity of the side pillars gave depth to many scenes whilst not appearing out of place in sets as diverse as the park, the street and the palace gates.  Rick Fisher designed the lighting which was superb, from the previously mentioned full moon to spotlights strategically placed to cast the characters’ shadows on the wall, with the Queen’s towering over everyone else’s. This was not the only use of shadow play and there were times I was torn between watching the actors or watching the shadows. Full use was also made of back lighting to turn scenes of apparent solidity into windows onto other scenes.

This production is brilliant and received one of the most enthusiastic responses from an audience that I have seen in this theatre. I applauded till my hands hurt and many people felt the need to stand and applaud. This show is a must see.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake plays Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 6^th February 2010. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee).

The tour then continues playing Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday 8^th February 2010 to Saturday 13^th February 2010.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.swanlaketour.com

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 1^st February 2010 on behalf of Catherine Brian.