Five Stars – The most breathtakingly beautiful ballets of all time
Set to Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable score, this classic ballet tells the story of Prince Siegfried, Princess Odette and the spell that transforms Odette and her companions into swans. From the opening scenes at the castle to the moonlit lakeside, grand ballroom and dramatic finale, it’s a story filled with romance, deception and heartbreak.
And visually, it is beautiful.
The production, by Peter Wright and Galina Samsova, combines striking costumes and Philip Prowse’s atmospheric designs with lighting that helps each scene feel completely different. The lakeside scenes in particular have a magical quality, with the swans appearing almost dreamlike against the darkness.
Momoko Hirata takes on the demanding dual role of Odette/Odile, giving the two characters very different qualities. Odette is delicate and vulnerable, while Odile has a much more confident and commanding presence. Mathias Dingman’s Prince Siegfried brings the story together, particularly as his character moves from reluctant prince to someone completely consumed by his love for Odette.
The full company also deserves a mention. The swan maidens and cygnets create some of the most recognisable moments of Swan Lake, while the various dances in Act III bring plenty of energy and colour to the ballroom scenes. There is something particularly special about seeing such a large company working together so precisely.
Of course, no Swan Lake would be complete without the music, and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Paul Murphy, provides a wonderful live accompaniment. Hearing Tchaikovsky’s score performed alongside the dancers adds another layer to the experience and makes those familiar pieces feel fresh all over again.
At just over three hours including intervals, this is a proper evening at the theatre, so it is worth allowing plenty of time. The performance is divided into four acts, with two intervals, and the evening finishes at approximately 10.20pm.
Whether you’re already a ballet fan or you’ve never seen Swan Lake before, this is a beautiful introduction to one of the world’s best-known ballets. It has the romance, drama and spectacle you’d expect, but it’s the combination of the live orchestra, beautiful choreography and sheer scale of the production that makes it feel like a real occasion.
A beautiful, atmospheric evening of ballet and one for the list if you fancy experiencing a classic performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet.
If you would like to book tickets (starting from £26pp) please take a look here: https://www.brb.org.uk/
Disclaimer: This is a guest post, written after attending the press night opening.
Please note that as part of International Day of Birmingham, Birmingham Royal Ballet will be performing the Act II Swan Lake pas de deux at the Council House this week. Full programme here: https://www.idob.co.uk/