Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until Saturday 25 May 2019
Reviewed by Charleigh
I don’t know of any better words to describe this production than absolutely stunning.
5*****
From the moment the show started we were absolutely hooked, and 100% invested.
We are greeted in the opening scene by the Prince (Dominic North) who’s peaceful slumber is interrupted when he starts dreaming of a swan. Straight into the story, the set which was made up of an imposing bed and window, promises grandeur that didn’t disappoint.
Enter the Queen (Nicole Kabera) a cold daunting woman who had a mountain of tension with the prince, him vying for a loving mother and her rejecting him in favour of flirting with young men.
As the prince tries to combat his loneliness with any vice going, he meets “The Girlfriend” played brilliantly by Katrina Lyndon, a girl who’s light hearted and dizzy nature makes for a kind of girl the Queen will not approve of.
After the prince suffers one more rejection, he makes his way to Swan Lake to take his life and this is where he encounters the swan. Traditionally played by a woman, Mathew Bourne has taken this and gender reversed, having the “Swan/Stranger” played by Will Bozier.
We watch as the prince descends into obsession, and events spiral out of everyone’s control.
Matthew Bourne has put together something really spectacular with this show. Being able to watch it without having seen the traditional version of swan lake, and still understand the concept and storyline was a feat.
Pulling together a spectacular set design, which transitioned from one scene to the next seamlessly, and an amazing lighting design, which had me watching the shadows on the walls with pleasure.
Topping this off was the traditional musical score, and some amazingly talented dancers. The ensemble are too many to name, but the cast was phenomenal.
Will Bozier as the swan had such a charismatic stage presence, that even when dancing on a stage full of men who looked nearly identical, you could pick him out, and your eyes would follow him across the stage. Katriona Lyndon managed to bring light and laughter to the production, and had the audience chuckling throughout.
When the Prince and Swan danced together, you could feel the tension in the movements, and could see how much work and effort had gone into the production. I really felt the cast had put their heart and soul into this, and it definitely paid off.
Although, as I’ve said I haven’t seen the traditional Swan Lake, I know that people in the audience had, and they were able to appreciate how clever and accessible the show was, being able to compare scenes.
If the idea of a ballet intimidates you, or you worry that it’s not something you would ordinarily enjoy, I implore you to go see it anyway! I promise you won’t regret it. The rapturous standing ovation at the end showed how much we all enjoyed the production.
10 out of 10 would definitely recommend.