Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake – Review – Bradford Alhambra

By Christine Goode, May 2025

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Matthew Bourne’s legendary Swan Lake has gracefully landed at the Bradford Alhambra Theatre. Opening night buzzed with excitement as audience members shared memories of past Bourne productions.

For me, this production holds a particularly personal resonance. My love for dance began in childhood when my parents took me to my first ballet at this very theatre. Who could have imagined then that this passion would shape my career? There is a magic in the arts that unites audiences, and few productions achieve this as effortlessly as a Matthew Bourne masterpiece.

When Bourne’s Swan Lake first premiered in London in 1995, it sent shockwaves through the ballet world. Breaking from the tradition of female ballet dancers as ethereal swans in tutus, he reimagined the swans as bare-chested men with cropped hair and the now-iconic “swan legs”. Bourne took the traditional ballet, turned it upside down, inside out and back to front, and produced a jaw-dropping, colourful and stunning masterpiece.

“Brimming with intensity”

Stephen Murray delivers a heartfelt and thought-provoking performance as The Prince, capturing a deep yearning for identity and love, particularly from his mother, The Queen. Katrina Lyndon portrays The Queen with exquisite command, embodying both austerity and ostentation as she sweeps onto the stage with her entourage. Her every move is regal yet distant, perfectly conveying the tension between mother and son.

Adding vivid lightness and comedy to the performance, Bryony Wood as The Girlfriend is a delightful standout. Her antics, often chastised by the Queen’s secretary, bring laughter and a modern flair to the production. Meanwhile, Jackson Fisch as both The Swan and The Stranger is nothing short of exceptional. His pas de deux with The Prince is a highlight, brimming with intensity, grace and raw emotion.

The ensemble is excellent overall, with Eleanor McGrath delivering a particularly notable performance.

“Immersive texture”

Bourne’s productions have long appealed to audiences with their innovative storytelling and bold reimaginings of classic works, but in this performance, Lez Brotherston’s costume and set design shone with unparalleled brilliance. From the palace to the lake, each element is crafted with exquisite detail. Yet, one of the most striking aspects of the design for me was the “theatre within a theatre”. This vivid and evocative stage setting – complete with ornate proscenium arches, sumptuous curtains and a royal box – brought a rich, immersive texture to the production. The scene where The Queen, The Prince and their entourage watch a ballet performed for both the characters on stage and the real audience was particularly memorable. The dancers’ playful parody of romantic ballets was both clever and endearing, prompting waves of laughter from the audience.

Tchaikovsky’s iconic score for Swan Lake is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated in classical ballet. However, Bourne’s contemporary reinterpretation brings a new vitality and dimension to the familiar melodies. The modern choreography, paired with dramatic sets and evocative lighting, offers a refreshing and invigorating perspective.

The audience’s response was a testament to the production’s excellence. Deafening applause erupted the moment the performance ended, followed by an immediate and heartfelt standing ovation. The company was called back for at least three curtain calls – a well-deserved recognition of their extraordinary talent and commitment.

‘Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake’ is at Bradford Alhambra until 10th May
images: Johan Persson

Christine Goode( Writer )

Christine Goode founded her own dance school – The May School of Dance & Theatre Arts over three decades ago. Her dedication to teaching and love of dance, has created many successful artists in the industry, and she is delighted that many of her former students have now returned with their children, allowing them to also discover this beautiful art. She has choreographed, produced and directed shows over the last 36 years, and is devoted to all live theatre and music. Now in her third year of writing about her obsession with the arts, Christine loves to encourage everyone to see as much live theatre as possible.
maydanceschool.co.uk

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