The thirtieth-anniversary revival of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake will captivate audiences at Milton Keynes Theatre this month.
As far as sensational dance–theatre productions go, Bourne’s revolutionary reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet still flies high. Bold, witty and emotive, this show is best known for replacing the tutus-and-pointe-shoes-clad female corps de ballet with a menacing, bare-chested, bare-footed male ensemble. Dive deeper and there is plenty of symbolism, sensuality and spirit to admire in the narrative, which dramatically explores the solitude and isolation that a prince experiences.
The pull to the lake is strong. Prepare to be charmed, challenged and intrigued by immersive choreography, compelling storytelling and striking designs.
First staged at Sadler’s Wells in London in 1995, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake ruffled feathers in the best possible way by becoming the longest-running full-length dance offering in the West End and on Broadway. It has since been performed across the globe by his company, New Adventures, collecting over thirty international accolades. Highlights include an Olivier award for best new dance production and three Tony awards (for best director of a musical, best choreography and best costume design).
Seasoned fans and uninitiated newcomers alike won’t want to miss a trip to the lake – it really is a modern classic. This anniversary production is incredibly special for the next generation of dancers flocking to the stage too, as more than half of the cast have participated in a New Adventures talent development programme.
Rising New Adventures stars Harrison Dowzell, Jackson Fisch and Rory Macleod are making their debuts as the Swan/Stranger. Casting also includes James Lovell, Leonardo McCorkindale and Stephen Murray as the Prince; Nicole Kabera, Ashley Shaw and Katrina Lyndon as the Queen; and Bryony Wood and Katrina Lyndon as the Girlfriend.
The company is completed by: Matthew Amos, Benjamin Barlow Bazeley, Alistair Beattie, Ben Brown, Carla Contini, Jade Copas, Anna-Maria de Freitas, Perreira de Jesus Franque, Jamie Duncan-Campbell, Alexander Fadayiro, Savannah Ffrench, Cameron Flynn, Louis Fukuhara, Louis Harris, Kurumi Kamayachi, Aristide Lyons, Callum Mann, Eleanor McGrath, Jarrod McWilliams, Maisie Mwebe, Mukeni Nel, Eve Ngbokota, George-Murray Nightingale, Harry Ondrak-Wright, Barnaby Quarendon, Molly Shaw-Downie, Nikolas Shikkis, Xavier Andriambolanoro Sotiya, Tom Standing and Christina Walters.
Matthew Bourne said: “Many of these dancers have been nurtured through our talent development programmes at New Adventures, notably Swan School. I know from experience what a life-changing experience this show has been for previous casts and how it has inspired new audiences for dance throughout the world. I am therefore truly thrilled to welcome the next generation of swans and swan watchers as we celebrate three decades of our Swan Lake.”
Running time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, including an interval.
*Production photography by Johan Persson.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 April 2025. The UK tour continues until 4 October 2025, with the production also flying off for visits to Korea and France.
This preview is also featured on Total MK.
Update 16 April 2025: Read my review of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Georgina Butler is an editor, a dance writer and a ballet teacher.
