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Swan Lake has fabulous shine
Ballet - Swan Lake
Sadler’s Wells
MY unfortunate first introduction to Matthew Bourne’s work was Edward Scissorhands last year.
Unfortunate because this production of Swan Lake that elevated Bourne to the choreography firmament 11 years ago is so much better.
Between the familiar tunes, Tchaikovsky’s score goes on and on. That alone would daunt most producers – if you’re going to change the sex of the swans how on earth do you fill in the endless gaps without appearing gimmicky or eccentric?
The result is a riveting soap opera around a dysfunctional royal family, complete with paparazzi, unsuitable consorts, murder and mental breakdown.
Amid this is the drama, symbolism and pathos of a mixed up prince who, at his lowest ebb, finds his spirit lifted by the swans on the lake he’s about to throw himself into.
It is, though, pretty much downhill from there for the young prince, whose haughty, frigid mother compounds her son’s isolation with her cold rejection.
The story is complex and rises to an intense emotional crescendo. The finale is extraordinary and my companion put it beautifully when she said: “The dance gave the music wings for me.”
Indeed, while no one dancer was outstanding, the whole was stunning. Alan Vincent’s Swan/ Stranger lacked the taut physicality of a lead, being tall and bulky like a dancing Cary Grant.
Some of the ensemble members had the light, energetic touch of excitement needed and were noticeable, even in the background, for their sparky highlights. As Vincent relaxed in a much more female-centred second half, his partners melted in his sure hands during some confident lifts.
Saranne Curtin as Queen was very good, cool, elegant and sexy in glamourous floaty tulle gowns. Nina Goldman also impressed as the unsuitable girlfriend, wide-mouthed and badly dressed, a cross between Sarah Jessica-Parker and Catherine Tate and as comedically nightmarish as Sarah Ferguson must have been to our own royals.
As no dancer shone, the show did – witty, clever, original, delicate and in places very funny with Lez Brotherston’s sets a simple, effective and integral part. A fabulous production.
Until Jan 21
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