Swan Lake is probably the world’s best known ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. Victor Smirnov-Golovanov’s production is a stunning demonstration of the precision, artistry and sheer grace for which Moscow City Ballet is renowned throughout the world.



This well known fable which follows the fate of Prince Siegfried when he is captivated by and then falls in love with the beautiful Swan Queen, Odette. The ballet’s soaring climax sees the power of true love conquer the forces of evil. Much life an afternoon in the Bulldog then…



The live orchestra always adds a wonderful evocative touch to any Theatre Royal performance and tonight was no different, from the famous opening bars the audience was transfixed and the playing was up to a reasonable standard too, and thumped along at a good pace.



Liliya Orekhova as Odette was a delight, frail as a feather and strong as the wind she hovers, trembled and leapt her way round the stage, astonishing that someone so slight can have such power, matched by the equine grace of Daniil Orlov as Prince Siegfried and their set piece dances were as good as you would expect. 
Artem Minakov as the Jester really caught my eye with his lithe powerful dancing, he had a fluid grace that made some of the other dancers look like they were a little bored. But all the principal dancers gave a good performance and pleased the audience, as did the Swans. 


The corps de ballet fill the stage at some points and it can get ever so slightly confusing with all the dashing and swanning about, I was worried I’d get a lapful of over stuffed down at a few points, but other than the limitations of the Theatre Royal stage which can make the show look and feel a little crowded, this show is a delight.

Not quite as formal a following of the original chorography as is claimed but certainly an entertaining performance by this tightly touring Ballet company and the audience loved the show. 



They are also performing the Nutcracker at the Theatre Royal from Friday,  for more info or to book, here:



Great fun and a lush evening out, and if you’re bored by the dancing you can, as my dear dance friend tells me ‘always look at their butts’


Theatre Royal

New Road

Brighton





Two performances left

 of Swan Lake
Thursday 2.30 and 7pm


For more information or to book tickets here: