Swan Lake in-the-round (review)

Magical, breathtaking in its vision and execution, and utterly beautiful, Swan Lake in the round offers audiences a cinema experience like no other. Whether you are new to Tchaikovsky, ballet or filmed theatrical events or a long-time fan, the English National Ballet’s epic production is an unmissable cinematic treat. Swan Lake in the round is playing in selected cinemas from October 30. Book Tickets

It is now somewhat hard to believe that Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake was viewed as a failure following its first performance in March 1877 at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. Following its disappointing premiere, Joseph Hansen collaborated with Tchaikovsky to revise aspects of the choreography, resulting in a more favourable reception for the thirty-three performances from 1877 to 1883. However, it wasn’t until further tweaks were made to the choreography and focus by Marius Petipa and Riccardo Drigo in 1895, two years after Tchaikovsky’s death, that Swan Lake began to cement its place as one of the greatest ballets ever.

Now hailed as a timeless classic and one of the most popular ballets of all time, one wonders what Tchaikovsky would have made of the many adaptations and versions of his enchanting story of a princess (Odette), a curse, and a love-struck prince (Siegfried), only recently come of age. From Matthew Bourne’s contemporary version to Liam Scarlett’s 2018 Royal Ballet production, Tchaikovsky’s ballet continues to enthral through productions that honour and reimagine his timeless masterpiece. However, few carry the epic beauty of the English National Ballet’s Swan Lake in the round, choreographed by Derek Deane.

Swan Lake in-the-round was developed for the Royal Albert Hall in 1997, with the aim of creating a 360-degree space that allowed audiences to feel as though they were part of the ballet. To say this was an ambitious undertaking full of artistic risk is an understatement. Deane’s production would expand upon the choreography, increase the cast, and ensure every inch of the 600 m² stage of the Royal Albert Hall was utilised to its full potential.

Since 1997, the English National Ballet has performed Swan Lake in the round hundreds of times worldwide, from London to Hong Kong and Australia, but its home will always be the Royal Albert Hall. Now, marking the English National Ballet’s 75th Season, their performance of this magical and enchanting 360-degree version of Tchaikovsky’s demanding ballet will arrive in cinemas nationwide, allowing everyone to be swept away by its magnificence.

Leading one hundred and twenty performers is Lead Principal Sangeun Lee as Odette/Odile and Principal Gareth Haw as Prince Siegfried, with the beauty of their performances only further enhanced by the lavish staging, sumptuous costumes, and the English National Ballet Philharmonic’s seventy-two world-class musicians.

Swan Lake in the round is a breathtaking spectacle celebrating Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s love letter to Russian and German folk tales, his musical genius, and ballet’s power to evoke emotion through exquisite storytelling. While it is true, as with all filmed theatre, that the filming doesn’t always capture the atmosphere of a live performance, Swan Lake in the round does allow us a far more intimate view of the ballet and its technical intricacies, while also providing stunning aerial views of its choreography. These aerial shots offer insight into the immaculate staging and timing of each group dance as we view the ballet like a swan in flight over the Royal Albert Hall’s extensive stage.

Magical, breathtaking in its vision and execution, and utterly beautiful, Swan Lake in the round offers audiences a cinema experience like no other. Whether you are new to Tchaikovsky, ballet or filmed theatrical events or a long-time fan, the English National Ballet’s epic production is an unmissable cinematic treat.