When Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake first premiered in 1995, no one could have predicted that it would become the longest-running ballet in the West End, Hollywood, and Broadway, nor that it would go on to win over forty international awards.
Now, celebrating 30 years of success and critical acclaim, Bourne has revived Swan Lake with a special performance, The Next Generation.
The central focus of Bourne’s adaptation – the use of male swans – remains a defining feature. While it may not have the same revolutionary impact as in 1995, the theme still carries significant weight in today’s cultural landscape, with Bourne’s fresh approach continuing to deliver a powerful message in 2025. The traditionally elegant female swans are replaced with seemingly dangerous and animalistic males, challenging long-standing ballet archetypes and societal relationships. This production, dedicated to the male form, delivers an emotionally charged performance that explores euphoric intimacy, all while staying true to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
Stephen Murray (The Prince) and Jackson Fisch (The Swan/The Stranger) share an undeniable chemistry on stage. As Bourne famously said about Swan Lake, “It’s about a very simple thing: somebody who needs love, who needs, in the most basic and simple way, to be held.” Jackson Fisch’s performance as The Swan and The Stranger is nothing short of remarkable. As the successor to Adam Cooper’s iconic 1995 portrayal, Fisch dances with a natural seduction and charisma, guiding the muscular flock around him. The choreography powerfully evokes the courtship rituals of nature, with both the swan scenes and the palace ball reflecting this raw, primal connection.
Lez Brotherston’s striking monochromatic set design and costumes beautifully complement the production, intentionally blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Are we witnessing the Prince’s true experiences, or a subconscious extension of his desires? As bodies contort and move, the audience’s sense of reality shifts in parallel with the Prince’s emotional journey.
Once again, Bourne has opened the audience’s eyes to his innovative approach, combining modern themes with classical elements. This emotionally charged exploration of love, longing, and sorrow is an experience that lingers long after the final curtain falls.
