The Making of Swan Lake

Step behind the scenes as Matthew Bourne daringly reimagines his groundbreaking “Swan Lake.” Twenty-four years after its debut, the swans have transformed into fierce, more menacing creatures that embody both freedom and danger. This update, Bourne reveals, was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's “The Birds.” Designers Lez Brotherston and Paule Constable tell us they drew inspiration from “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Handmaid’s Tale." During rehearsals, quirky elements emerge through male dancers in drag, though Bourne steers them clear of parody. Principal Liam Mower delves into the prince’s inner turmoil, portraying a conflict of repressed desire and identity. The result is a thrilling revival of Matthew Bourne’s 1995 classic—an emotionally charged, poignant dance spectacle.