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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
David Jays

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells review: the gold standard for reimagining a classic

It’s a justly iconic image. The Swan stands centre stage: bare-chested, shaggy-legged, powerful arms twisting up and eyes glaring beneath a crest of black make-up. You shiver. He’s coming for you.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake turns 30 next year. Its 1995 premiere laid the foundation for Bourne’s company New Adventures, creating shows that make audiences into devoted fans. Although often misdescribed as the all-male Swan Lake – around the boy swans is a cadre of characterful women – this show is properly gay, powerfully erotic and romantic.

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