Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake announces its 30th anniversary tour

New Adventures has revealed the return of Matthew Bourne’s iconic Swan Lake for its 30th anniversary with a 2024-25 UK tour.

This groundbreaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s classic has been hailed as the most successful dance theatre production ever since its premiere nearly three decades ago.

The tour is set to begin at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 11 November 2024, running to 16 November, before moving to The Lowry in Salford from 19 November to 30 November.

The tour will also include an 8-week annual Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells in London from 3 December 2024 to 26 January 2025. Additional tour dates and casting details are expected to be announced soon.

Matthew Bourne said: “When our Swan Lake was premiered nearly 30 years ago it created a sensation that none of us could have predicted. I think we knew that we had a good idea but could never have dreamt of the impact it would have on all of us, our audiences and the wider dance world. I have seen over those 30 years how this production has continued to change lives, create new audiences and inspire young dancers.”

This revival is particularly significant as it will feature dancers who have been nurtured through New Adventures’ talent development programmes, including the Cygnet School and Swan School. Many of these dancers will be making their debut in coveted roles in Swan Lake.

The production is renowned for its daring and innovative approach, especially for replacing the traditional female corps-de-ballet with a male ensemble. This bold move challenged conventions and redefined the genre, making it a trailblazing event in the dance theatre world.

Since its first performance at Sadler’s Wells in London in 1995, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake has not only enjoyed the longest run of any full-length dance classic in the West End and on Broadway but has also been celebrated globally, winning over thirty international awards including an Olivier Award and three Tony Awards.

In conjunction with the performances, New Adventures will also launch a comprehensive programme aimed at talent development and enhancing the well-being of children and young people through dance. This programme will include the regular New Adventures Schools Tour, with additional activities specifically tailored to Swan Lake, details of which will be shared in the near future.