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Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake in Norwich

Matthew Bourne’s legendary Swan Lake returns to Norwich Theatre Royal in April with a fresh look for the 21st century.

Retaining the iconic elements of the original production loved by millions around the world, Matthew Bourne and his associate artists, award-winning designers Lez Brotherston (set and costumes) and Paule Constable (lighting), have created an exciting re-imagining of the classic production.

Swan Lake, by New Adventures, is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered conventions, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm.

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Collecting over 30 international accolades, including an Olivier Award in the UK and three Tonys on Broadway, this powerful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is touring to 22 venues throughout the UK, landing at Norwich Theatre Royal from April 2-6.

New Adventures’ star Will Bozier, who recently danced to great acclaim as Harry, the Pilot in Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella (including during the production’s run at Norwich Theatre Royal in February and March last year), and former English National Ballet star Max Westwell, who was recently seen in the West End in An American in Paris, are both making their debuts in the role of The Swan.

Both returning to the role of The Prince are much-loved New Adventures Principal dancers, Dominic North and Liam Mower.

Dominic (acclaimed star of Edward Scissorhands, The Car Man, Sleeping Beauty and The Red Shoes) also entertained Norwich audiences as The Pilot in Cinderella, while Liam (who has appeared on the Theatre Royal stage many times and got his big break in the West End run of Billy Elliot ) danced as The Angel.

The Queen will be performed by two long-time New Adventures favourites, Nicole Kabera and Katrina Lyndon, who are both making their debuts in this role.

The Girlfriend will also be performed by Katrina Lyndon. She is joined by Freya Field and Carrie Willis who are both returning to the Swan Lake Company.

The Private Secretary will be played by long-time company principal Glenn Graham (recently seen as Grischa in The Red Shoes), along with Max Westwell and Ashley-Jordon Packer.

Returning to New Adventures are Tom Broderick, PJ Hurst and local dancer Alex Sturman, who hails from Taverham and started dancing as a youngster with Michala Jane School of Dance and with Stagecoach Norwich at Notre Dame School.

Another local dancer Jack William Parry, who attended Stowmarket High School and then One Sixth Form College in Ipswich, will be making his debut with New Adventures, alongside 20 other new dancers.

Also making their New Adventures debut are Andrew Ashton from Newcastle, Isaac Bowry from Glasgow and Harry Ondrak-Wright from Birmingham, who all performed in the acclaimed New Adventures production of Lord of the Flies in 2014.

That production brought together young male talent from venues’ local areas (including Norwich) to perform alongside professional dancers, and since then New Adventures has been supporting the young dancers who took part on their journey into training and professional work.

Committed to finding and developing diverse young talent from across the UK, New Adventures’ annual open auditions are attended by over 400 dancers and the company also delivers various initiatives, such as Swan School, two week-long intensives designed to prepare graduate level dancers for the audition process.

Matthew Bourne said: “With the largest cast in our repertory, Swan Lake always gives us the opportunity to bring a wealth of new talent into the company and I’m excited to welcome so many new dancers into the New Adventures family. I’m particularly thrilled to welcome cast members whose journey to this production came via our production of Lord of the Flies or through our Swan School which was designed to develop young talent for this company.”

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake will be at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Tuesday to Saturday April 2-6, 2019. Eves Tues-Sat  7.30pm, Mats Thurs & Sat 2.30pm. 

Tickets £10-£45, with Discounts for Friends, Over-60s, Under-18s, and Groups.  Audio-described Performance Sat 6 April, 2.30pm. For more information or to book visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.

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