Review of Swan Lake - The Next Generation at Norwich’s Theatre Royal: Legendary interpretation of classic ballet features amazing choreography and elaborate costumes

Swan Lake: The Next Generation - Theatre Royal, Norwich

Billed as the show that changed the dance world forever, it’s hard to disagree.

Matthew Bourne’s now legendary interpretation of the classic ballet Swan Lake arrives in Norwich for a week.

It’s the 30th anniversary of the show which gained a worldwide reputation for its all-male corps de ballet as much as its amazing choreography, gothic-inspired sets, dizzy dancing and elaborate costumes.

And then there is, of course, that soaring Tchaikovsky score which is very much front and centre in this show.

Bourne takes amazing liberties with the original storyline, concentrating really on just the unhappy Prince (beautifully performed by Stephen Murray) and the Swan (Jackson Fisch) and their tortured relationship.

Themes of privacy, gold-digging, parental love and more are touched on in Bourne’s usual very fast and frantic way, with the dancers working incredibly hard.

Mention must go to the bare-chested swan corps de ballet who peck and hiss their way through some amazing routines which mix energy and precision.

This is a typically bold show - nothing is left on the table as we feel the pain and passion of a man looking for love and to make sense of his role in life.

Long may this show soar. It has done so much for the dance world by encouraging a new generation of non-ballet lovers to take a punt and see it, and they all love it and want more!

The show continues until Saturday.

Visit www.norwichtheatre.org

Review by Sarah Hardy