Swan Lake is back at Sadler’s Wells Theatre!

An external shot of the Saddler's Wells Theatre in Islington, LondonTchaikovsky’s classic ballet, Swan Lake, composed in 1875/76 returns to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London’s chic Islington district.  The spectacle made its debut at the same theatre in 1995, and is returning to the place of its première after 18 years.

The performance, based on old Russian folktales, tells the beautiful story of a young prince who falls in love with Odette, a princess who is turned into a swan by the curse of an evil sorcerer. Throughout the story, we are drawn into the twists and turns of the relationship between the two leads and how it develops.

Britain’s most popular choreographer, Matthew Bourne, revolutionised the performance by replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with an all-male one.  The Times said of the show “the impact of this vibrant staging is undiminished; if anything it’s even stronger.” Bourne’s adaptation of the show has made the classic story more modern and relevant to today’s society.

Swan Lake has achieved more than 30 international awards and has become the longest-running ballet both in the West End and on Broadway.  It encompasses dance, humour and award-winning designs by Lez Brotherston to create a breath-taking performance, enjoyed by those who know and love the traditional story as well as newcomers to the timeless tale.

The show is running at Saddler’s Wells Theatre from now until the 26th January. Tickets range from £12 to £60 and are available from the theatre’s website.

Plus, after taking in the magnificent performance, why not extend your experience by coming to visit DUKES London for a drink (James Bond Martini, anyone?) in our famed DUKES Bar?

Image courtesy of David Hawgood