Swan Lake

Synopsis

One of ballet's most famous works with some of its best known music. It is Siegfried's birthday and his mother gives him a crossbow and an ultimatum to get married! After the party and finding himself alone he goes hunting. The evil magician Rothbart (half man half bird) keeps beautiful women as swans on the lake - but by night they resume human form. Siegfried is bewitched by Odette, a Princess and one of the Swans. She explains their plight to Siegfried and says the spell can only be broken by someone who'll love her truly for ever. He swears to do so but Odette returns to being a swan as Rothbart's powers are so strong. Siegfried returns to the palace and his mother presents him with a string of women from whom to chose his bride - Rothbart arrives with his daughter Odile disguised as Odette and Siegfried agrees to marry her - only then realising his mistake as Odile reviles him for breaking his vow to Odette. Siegfried returns to the lake and begs Odette to forgive him - then fights Rothbart whom he kills - and the swans are released from the spell.

Latest User Review

195.92.67.76) - 13 December 2004:

Saw this exceptional work of genius last night (12th December). Jason Piper as the lead swan was breathtaking, very charismatic and powerfully feral, an all together different kind of swan to Adam Cooper - more dangerous and consequently more thrilling. Christopher Marney as the Prince was completely convincing, especially the last two scenes depicting the decline of his mental state. This show is, amazingly, even better than the last production ten years ago. There has been more money thrown at this and it shows. The lighting and scenery are inspirational. The final scene has been re-worked to be more gritty and menacing, the swans are vampire-esque, hissing and devouring their victim. The original music by Tchaikovsky has been used and of course is exquisite and sits beautifully with this modern interpretation. There is humourous relief with a Korgi on wheels and the delightful dance of the sygnets, which never descends into farce and is pure magic. It is hard to find fault with this masterpiece....

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