‘Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake’ returns to AUS

One of the most audacious and internationally successful dance shows to be produced in the last century, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake will be presented at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from Thursday, October 16 for a strictly limited season.

The winner of more than 30 international awards, sell-out seasons on the West End, Broadway and throughout the world, this groundbreaking reinvention of ballet’s most beloved classic comes to Melbourne after a much-lauded revival season last year at London’s Sadler’s Wells, the same theatre where it exploded onto the theatre scene in 1995. This current production includes a number of changes made by director and choreographer Matthew Bourne, the most since the show opened on Broadway in 1998.

“I am very proud to be returning to Australia with my company, New Adventures, as Swan Lake enters its 20th year,” Bourne said. “This is a show that is very close to my heart and I’m happy to say that audiences around the world are still moved and entertained in equal measure by this beloved production.”

He continued, “The 2014 company is one of the finest that this production has ever had and I’m particularly thrilled that we are able to delight Melbourne audiences once again with this exciting young company of dancers.”

Presenter Liz Koops said, “Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is the jewel in his crown of unique and thoroughly entertaining nights in the theatre. I’m thrilled to be presenting this extraordinary company for this exclusive Melbourne season.”

Matthew Bourne’s production is perhaps best known for its menacing pack of male wild swans, which replaced the traditional fluttering female corps de ballet. It was a bold switch that became the winning sensation of Bourne’s interpretation, one that brought a very modern sensibility brimming with style, wit and poignancy to the classic tale.

Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures is one of the world’s most successful dance/theatre producers with over 10 original productions, all choreographed by Bourne, touring at various times throughout the UK and the rest of the world. It was Swan Lake, however, which put Bourne, set and costume designer Lez Brotherston and the company’s troupe of dancers on the international map. The production’s many awards include three Tonys (Outstanding Director of a Musical, Outstanding Choreographer and Outstanding Costume Design), an Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production, five Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critic Circle awards.     

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.swanlaketour.com. Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake will be presented at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on October 16-26.

Photos courtesy of New Adventures.