Swan Lake: Matthew Bourne's iconic contemporary ballet at La Seine Musicale, our review

Thirty years after its creation in London, Matthew Bourne's reinterpretation of Swan Lake returns to France for a series of performances at La Seine Musicale from October 9 to 26, 2025. A true phenomenon in the world ofcontemporary dance , this show is a bold and spectacular reinvention of Tchaikovsky's ballet, shaking up the codes of classical tradition.

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One of the most striking features of this version is its radical decision to replace the traditional female corps de ballet with an exclusively male ensemble. This reversal, both aesthetic and symbolic, gives new intensity to the swan scenes, while redefining the power relations and emotional stakes of the story.

With over 30 international awards to its credit, the show has become the most performed contemporary ballet in London and on Broadway, helping to make Matthew Bourne a key figure on the world choreography scene. This production also showcases a new generation of dancers, offering the audience a theatrical experience that is both familiar and radically different.

Our opinion

Matthew Bourne revisits Swan Lake, offering a contemporary interpretation of the traditional tale, carried by a masterful visual aesthetic. The absolutely superb sets transform fluidly and accompany the characters' emotions throughout the story. The first part is tinged with a confident, almost parodic humor, bringing a surprising but effective offbeat tone, before giving way to a more dramatic atmosphere.

Gone are Prince Siegfried, Odette and their tragic curse; the royalty offers a version closer to England, between the funny courtesan who breaks social codes and the misunderstood prince who cannot find his place, a far cry from the original love story. Furthermore, it is only the swans that are male; the female dancers are very much present, with striking female characters and graceful, beautiful group scenes.

The choreography shines in its diversity: classical dance, cabaret influences, and moments of pure poetry follow one another. The iconic passage with the group of male swans is one of the highlights of the show. Their presence is both powerful and captivating, in a daring rewriting of the symbol of the swan.

Despite a lively pace and visually accomplished staging,the plot proves difficult to follow. The audience can quickly become lost in the face of certain scenic intentions, which are sometimes too symbolic or ambiguous. It is difficult to fully engage emotionally, even though we feel deep pity for the prince, the central and vulnerable character.

All in all, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake fascinates with its modernity, aesthetics, and poignant swans, but leaves a feeling of incompleteness in terms of narrative and emotion. Classical ballet enthusiasts open to new ideas will be surprised but certainly seduced by this unique version, while more traditional viewers may not appreciate the reinterpretation and overly modern feel.

For those who are curious but unfamiliar with ballet, it is an original and visually stunning introduction that easily draws you into its world if you don't dwell too much on the narrative of the show. On a more practical note, as the Pont de Sèvres metro station is undergoing construction, allow a little extra time to get there, as the route to the theater is not straightforward.

As for the theater itself, try to get seats very close to the stage, as we were a little far away and found it difficult to see the emotions on the actors' faces or to understand the characters as they appeared. The show lasts 2.5 hours with a 20-minute intermission, which is ideal for stretching your legs, as the seats are not particularly comfortable.