Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake: A Mesmerising Reimagining at the Wales Millennium Centre

Last night, the Wales Millennium Centre played host to Matthew Bourne’s iconic reimagining of Swan Lake, a production that has captivated audiences for decades with its audacious creativity and emotional depth. This latest performance, featuring Jackson Fisch as The Swan, James Lovell as The Prince, and Bryony Wood as the delightfully comedic Girlfriend, breathed fresh life into a timeless tale while delving into profound themes of freedom, desire, and identity.

Bourne’s decision to replace the traditional female corps-de-ballet with an all-male ensemble remains as groundbreaking today as it was at its debut. The swans, led by Fisch, exuded a raw, animalistic power that was both haunting and beautiful. Fisch’s portrayal of The Swan was a masterclass in physicality and nuance, capturing the duality of strength and vulnerability with every movement. His chemistry with Lovell’s Prince was magnificent & breathtaking, their duets brimming with tension and tenderness, painting a poignant picture of longing and liberation.

James Lovell delivered a deeply empathetic performance as The Prince, embodying a character torn between duty and desire. His journey from isolation to self-discovery was rendered with such authenticity that it resonated deeply with the audience. Meanwhile, Bryony Wood’s Girlfriend provided much-needed levity, her comedic timing impeccable as she navigated the absurdities of royal life. Yet, beneath the humor, Wood infused her character with a genuine warmth, making her a standout in an already stellar cast.

The modernized setting of Bourne’s Swan Lake added layers of relatability to the narrative. The opulent yet oppressive world of the royal court contrasted sharply with the untamed wilderness of the swans, a visual metaphor for the Prince’s internal struggle. Lez Brotherston’s set and costume design, paired with Paule Constable’s evocative lighting, created a cinematic experience that was both immersive and unforgettable.

Among the many striking moments in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, the psychiatric hospital scene in Act 4 stands out as a masterstroke of storytelling and visual artistry. The Prince, now confined and receiving treatment, is surrounded by doctors and nurses whose faces are obscured by identical masks—eerily modeled after his mother’s visage. This unsettling tableau evokes themes of control, repression, and the suffocating weight of maternal expectations.

The scene’s chilling atmosphere is heightened by its nods to German Expressionism, with stark lighting casting dramatic shadows that distort the space and amplify the sense of psychological turmoil. The costumes, clinical yet surreal, further blur the line between reality and nightmare, creating an air of disorientation reminiscent of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Despite its brevity, the scene is a powerhouse of emotional depth, encapsulating the Prince’s anguish and the oppressive forces that bind him.

Through Bourne’s meticulous choreography and design, this moment becomes a visceral exploration of identity and freedom, leaving the audience both mesmerized and deeply moved.

At its core, Bourne’s Swan Lake is a story about breaking free—free from societal expectations, personal fears, and the confines of tradition. This production not only honours Tchaikovsky’s original masterpiece but also redefines it for a contemporary audience, making especially relevant today as ever.

For those who have yet to experience this groundbreaking work, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a must-see. It is a celebration of artistry, innovation, and the enduring power of storytelling.

Tickets are available at the Wales millennium centres website here!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be allured in this graceful and beautiful world!