This bold re-imagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet continues to captivate audiences, even 30 years after its groundbreaking debut. We were truly captivated and mesmerised by this show!
The Story - A Tale of Repression and Desire
At its heart, Swan Lake: The Next Generation is a hauntingly beautiful tale of emotional repression, unfulfilled desire, and the search for personal freedom. Unlike traditional telling’s of the ballet, which centre around a doomed romance between a prince and an enchanted swan princess, Matthew Bourne’s vision re-imagines the story through a contemporary and psychological lens. Here, the Prince is a lonely and emotionally stifled young man, trapped within a cold, performative world of royal protocol. With an overbearing Queen who offers little maternal warmth, and a public life in which he is never truly seen, the prince’s isolation becomes almost suffocating.
His desperate longing for affection leads him to dreamlike encounters with swans—figures both terrifying and seductive—that come to represent the love, power, and freedom he has been denied. These swans are not delicate creatures in tutus, but muscular, menacing, and magnetic. When he finally meets the Swan—an enigmatic and powerful presence—something shifts. Their relationship, complex and charged with tension, becomes a metaphor for the prince’s internal battle between duty and desire, repression and self-expression.
As the story unfolds, the prince’s grip on reality begins to unravel, especially when he encounters The Stranger at a lavish ball—a darker, more dangerous incarnation of the Swan who seduces the Queen and toys with the prince’s fragile psyche. The production doesn’t offer easy answers but instead immerses the audience in a dreamlike journey through longing, identity, and heartbreak. This emotional resonance is what makes Bourne’s Swan Lake so enduring: it is as much about the swan as it is about being seen, being loved, and the consequences when we are not.
It's History - 30 Years of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
This year marks an extraordinary milestone: 30 years since Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake first stunned audiences at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London in 1995. From the moment it premiered, it was clear this was no ordinary ballet. Bourne’s radical re-imagining, replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a powerful ensemble of male swans, shattered conventions and sparked international acclaim. By 1998, the production had leapt across the Atlantic to Broadway, introducing a whole new audience to its thrilling emotional complexity and redefining the possibilities of dance theatre on a global stage.
Over the next decade, Swan Lake toured internationally, garnering accolades and devoted fans across continents. In 2010, it returned to New York, once again commanding critical and audience acclaim. A year later, in 2011, Swan Lake 3D brought the production to cinemas worldwide, capturing its bold energy and raw physicality in a new, immersive format. Far from resting on its laurels, Bourne’s Swan Lake continued to evolve with each outing, responding to changing times while retaining its emotional core.
The production’s legacy was firmly cemented in 2019 when it received two Olivier Awards — Best Theatre Choreographer and Best Entertainment — confirming its place as one of the most important British theatrical works of a generation. A US tour followed in 2020, reaffirming its international relevance and timeless resonance.
Now, in 2024/2025, we arrive at Swan Lake: The Next Generation — a bold and timely reinterpretation for the 21st century. More than a revival, it’s a rebellion: one that honours the legacy of the original while speaking directly to a new audience. With a fresh cast of exceptional talent and nuanced direction, this version breathes new life into Bourne’s masterwork, proving that after three decades, Swan Lake is as urgent, exhilarating, and necessary as ever.
The Cast - A Mesmerising Performance
The opening night of Swan Lake: The Next Generation at 
Opposite him, Jackson Fisch was utterly magnetic as both the Swan and the Stranger. As the Swan, Fisch exuded a primal power — majestic, unpredictable, and hypnotic — and his physicality commanded every corner of the stage. His connection with Lovell’s Prince was electric, pulsing with both tenderness and tension. In Act Two, Fisch’s transformation into the Stranger was striking: now sharp-edged, seductive, and dangerous, he brought a swaggering charisma that both captivated and de-stabilised the prince, reflecting the inner turmoil and confusion at the heart of the story. To master these two roles with such distinct identities and emotional depth is no small feat, but Fisch’s performance was a tour de force.
Together, Lovell and Fisch shared a chemistry that was both tender and explosive, anchoring the production in authenticity and heartbreak. Their performances elevated the entire show, reminding the audience that this is not just a ballet — it’s a deeply human story about longing, love, and the pain of not fitting in.
The brilliance of the production extended far beyond its central duo, with a supporting cast that brought colour, complexity, and nuance to every scene. Nicole Kabera was captivating as the Queen — regal, cold, and emotionally impenetrable, yet subtly revealing flickers of vulnerability beneath her stoic exterior. Her performance added emotional weight to the prince’s inner conflict. Meanwhile, Bryony Wood lit up the stage as the Girlfriend, bringing a welcome edge of humour and unpredictability. Her comedic timing and bold physicality provided moments of levity, while also highlighting the chaos and confusion surrounding the prince’s world. The ensemble of swans, courtiers, and party guests were flawless — their discipline, energy, and commitment to storytelling made every moment feel richly layered and alive.
The Creative - Behind the Scenes Excellence
The success of Swan Lake: The Next Generation is not only in its spellbinding performances but in the sheer artistry and craft of its entire creative team. Every detail, from the sweeping choreography to the evocative lighting design, was executed with precision and purpose — a true testament to the collaborative genius behind the scenes. The choreography, under Matthew Bourne’s masterful direction, was perfectly timed to the soaring beauty of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Moments of stillness held just as much weight as the dynamic bursts of movement, and every gesture told a story, guided seamlessly by the emotional rhythm of the music.
Lez Brotherston’s set design was both dominant and fluid — switching from cold, clinical palace interiors to fever-dream lakeside realms with effortless transitions. The way the space was used felt bold yet controlled, enveloping the audience in a world that was simultaneously surreal and familiar. The costumes, also designed by Brotherston, were stunning in every sense — from the sharp tailoring of the royal court to the raw, feathered intensity of the swans. Every thread and texture added to the emotional and symbolic richness of the story being told on stage.
The lighting, by Paule Constable, and sound design, by Paul Groothuis, elevated the entire experience, drawing the audience deeper into the prince’s fractured psyche and dreamlike visions. Nothing felt incidental — every cue, every transition, every note was woven into the fabric of the story. The devotion of the backstage crew, production staff, and technical teams was evident in the smooth, polished delivery of such a visually and emotionally complex piece. It was a true masterclass in theatrical collaboration — one where every component enhanced the next, all in service of a singular, unforgettable vision.
Plan Your Visit
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake: The Next Generation runs at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday, April 15 to Saturday, April 19, 2025. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a landmark production that continues to redefine the boundaries of dance and theatre.
Parking: Ample parking is available near the theatre, including the centre:mk multi-storey car park just across the road. Many spaces in Central Milton Keynes are free after 6pm.
Dining: For a pre-show meal, consider dining at the onsite pizzeria at Milton Keynes Theatre, Pizza al Teatro, (booking is advised as this gets very busy), 12th Street, which is next to the Theatre and includes, 
Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in a performance that continues to enchant and inspire audiences worldwide. We LOVED IT! Just WOW!
