LinMM Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 I did pick that up but right at the end though!! I just didn't like the stage settings for any of the swan bits and I know it's different etc but just hated that glorious music at the end set in that bedroom. Both in the park and in the bedroom everything seemed so walled in.....probably reflecting the Princes doomed state of mind but I just didn't like the settings. The only Act I felt really positive about was the Ballroom scene .....I really enjoyed that and thought Bozier was great as the menacing Stranger ....but I also didn't like the first Act much either .....really disliked all that "at the theatre stuff".....sorry ...I know it was supposed to be funny and I'm always up for a bit of humour etc ...even in Swan Lake ...but I just wanted it to move on I'm afraid. I didn't want to comment as haven't got the Programme here and wanted to mention the two who played the Queen and the Girlfriend as I thought they were very good in their roles. Probably revealing my ballet eyes here ....perhaps too much but Boziers feet bothered me as the movement in the air never seemed to quite reach his feet. Is this a deliberate choreographic thing on Bournes part? If so I didn't like it!! Mower is a lovely dancer but at times he was just a bit too melodramatic for me .....again not sure if this is a "directed" thing but it sort of took away the pathos a bit for me.....though I did like the final image ( though wish not in the bedroom) of the Swan holding the Prince like that.....he has stolen his soul away while the Queen grieves for his body. I am supposing as there was no synopsis that the final scene is in the Princes head and he is driven mad by these dreams and of finding this strange but at times rather nasty Swan he fell for!! OR Did all the other swans actually kill him physically ...for real? Nevertheless however clever it was to have the swans erupting out of the bed and walls practically in that final scene I just thought the setting was a mismatch with the music....for me. .....as the music is so powerful at this point. So that's my take. It wasn't awful or anything like that but for some reason I was expecting to be moved more by it all. I really didn't get the standing ovation thing! As more and more people began to stand up in front of me I couldn't see the dancers on the stage taking their calls but as I had had two wine coiffers next to me since the interval I think I just got into a contrary sort of mood and was probably the only one who didn't stand up in the whole of the First Circle!! My only excuse is I nearly didn't make it at all that night as I fell over on Christmas Eve ( completely sober I might add) and injured my back so had been in quite a bit of pain for the whole of the previous week though to be honest it was feeling a lot better by that Friday after an "emergency" visit to the physio paid off! Perhaps I should give it another go on the 27th ....if I can get a ticket! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthE Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 13 minutes ago, LinMM said: I really didn't get the standing ovation thing! As more and more people began to stand up in front of me I couldn't see the dancers on the stage taking their calls but as I had had two wine coiffers next to me since the interval I think I just got into a contrary sort of mood and was probably the only one who didn't stand up in the whole of the First Circle!! This might be a conversation for another thread but I never give standing ovations unless I am in the mood to do so. And I get very annoyed by people doing so indiscriminately when they are directly in front of me. There was actually one occasion at Covent Garden which was truly exceptional, and I was itching to give a standing ovation but chose to remain seated because I was at the front of my section and didn't want to block people's view behind me - only later did I realize that I was the only person sitting down 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 Me too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 I can understand the confusion in interpreting the 'meaning' of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. I sometimes think its best 'not' to overthink it. As Matthew says himself in the book 'Matthew Bourne and His Adventures in Dance' (Matthew Bourne/ Alastair Macaulay) the work is 'open to interpretation'. It does seem to be a bit of a ' Marmite' piece, you either love it or hate it. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 2 hours ago, RuthE said: I hadn't had any idea that the Private Secretary(?) was the Rothbart character............... My thought was that Liam Scarlett might have been influenced by Bourne's take on this in bringing Von Rothbart into the Queen's close circle in his Swan Lake. In the wake of Matthew Ball's injury and, now (happily), return as the Swan/Stranger, it is, I think, somewhat inconsiderate of the Company to reshuffle the casting (especially his casting) this week as well - whatever the reasons. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 1 hour ago, capybara said: My thought was that Liam Scarlett might have been influenced by Bourne's take on this in bringing Von Rothbart into the Queen's close circle in his Swan Lake. It's not a unique idea for "Von Rothbart" to be a member of the Queen's close circle. Christopher Gable's production of Swan Lake for NB (which pre-dated the Matthew Bourne version) also had VR as a confidante of the Queen. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted January 8, 2019 Author Share Posted January 8, 2019 2 hours ago, capybara said: My thought was that Liam Scarlett might have been influenced by Bourne's take on this in bringing Von Rothbart into the Queen's close circle in his Swan Lake. In the wake of Matthew Ball's injury and, now (happily), return as the Swan/Stranger, it is, I think, somewhat inconsiderate of the Company to reshuffle the casting (especially his casting) this week as well - whatever the reasons. I believe that his performance on the 10th was changed because they are filming part 2 of the production; as he was injured on January 4th when they filmed part 1, they couldn't really film on the 10th with him in it. Such a shame; as I have missed his performances it would have been great to have them committed to film (or whatever it is they use these days). As far as tickets are concerned, it is definitely worth checking. I know of people who got two tickets for Ball's performance on Sunday evening at Sunday lunchtime, and another who went along just before the show and got a return. So it's definitely worth the effort of calling, looking online or going to the theatre if you can. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 Thanks for this explanation, Sim. I'm even more disappointed now as it would have been wonderful to have been compensated with a filmed performance from Matthew Ball. He must be feeling doubly gutted himself. As I have already said, I was in the process of checking/booking yesterday and was a click away from buying for a performance Matthew will not now dance this week when Thalia's alert caught my eye. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Q Fan Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 (edited) I really enjoyed Swan Lake on Sunday evening, with Matthew Ball as the Swan and Dominic North as the Prince. I never tire of this version and ended up in floods at the tragic end. It was really well danced by everyone and I was impressed with Matthew Ball. It was a pity that Max Westwell had a minor role in this performance but all the same he was good too. Dominic North is a favourite of mine and he was as good as ever. It was lovely to have a live orchestra for this run at Sadlers Wells and made a pleasant change from the usual piped music. A few pics from the curtain call:- Ensemble Matthew Ball - The Swan/Stranger Dominic North - Prince Edited January 8, 2019 by Don Q Fan 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 It's a well known fact that Dominic North walks on water! Great pix DonQ! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 What fantastic photos DonQ-thanks! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fonty Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 I booked tickets long before the casting came out. I see I have James Lovell as the Prince. I was astonished to see how young he is. Anybody else seen him yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Apparently there may be Second Circle gallery standing (presumably at right-angles to the stage) available for some of these performances, but they don't show up online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 1 hour ago, Fonty said: I booked tickets long before the casting came out. I see I have James Lovell as the Prince. I was astonished to see how young he is. Anybody else seen him yet? Yes, Fonty, I saw him with Will Bozier last Sunday matinee. He does look very young. In fact in the past when they had one dancer as the Young Prince and one as the grown up Prince he would no doubt have been cast as the Young Prince! Anyway he was very good. Not so balletic as Liam Mower ( a very fine Prince indeed) but a very expressive dance actor. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 40 minutes ago, alison said: Apparently there may be Second Circle gallery standing (presumably at right-angles to the stage) available for some of these performances, but they don't show up online. Yes, I managed to get some standing tickets in second circle for one of Matthew Ball's performances on 22nd Jan. I got them when I was at the box office. I'm hoping there may be a chance to get a return for a seat, on the day, as standing for all that time wont be nice for my back ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 if you are really quick the Sadlers Wells site is showing 3 tickets in the first circle right now ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyTaylor Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 On 08/01/2019 at 13:58, Sim said: I believe that his performance on the 10th was changed because they are filming part 2 of the production; as he was injured on January 4th when they filmed part 1, they couldn't really film on the 10th with him in it. Such a shame; as I have missed his performances it would have been great to have them committed to film (or whatever it is they use these days). As far as tickets are concerned, it is definitely worth checking. I know of people who got two tickets for Ball's performance on Sunday evening at Sunday lunchtime, and another who went along just before the show and got a return. So it's definitely worth the effort of calling, looking online or going to the theatre if you can. Yes, I had tickets for the 4th and the 10th --- aarrgghh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 I spy some returns on the website for the next few days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 23 minutes ago, alison said: I spy some returns on the website for the next few days. Great, I’ve just rung up and nabbed one for Matthew and Dominic on Sunday night! The box office say it’s best to phone as there isn’t always a chance to put the returns online . 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 (And of course the booking fee is the same either way now) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmie Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 On 08/01/2019 at 19:37, Don Q Fan said: ...It was lovely to have a live orchestra for this run at Sadlers Wells and made a pleasant change from the usual piped music... Can anyone comment on Don Q's comment? I'm in two minds as to whether to see this at Milton Keynes but if it's not a live orchestra I'll definitely not bother. Does anyone know what they usually do at MK for MB's Swan Lake re the orchestra? (Other ballet companies bring an orchestra to MK). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Matthew Bourne's New Adventures don't usually tour with an orchestra. They didn't have one at The Lowry. The sound of the recorded score was fine there and it didn't detract from the performance. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 I seem to remember that the quality of the recording for Swan Lake was commented on very positively, certainly when it first opened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 (edited) You could have heard a pin drop last night when Matthew Ball was dancing The Swan. That’s quite a statement at Sadlers Wells where people often have snacks and drinks with them and sit there rustling. His powerful presence, light high jumps and fast turns were captivating. But the highlight for me were his arms, or rather.. wings. The fluidity of movement from shoulder to fingertip and subtlety of expression were incredible. I’ve seen many dancers in this role but Matthew only compares to Adam Cooper who has coached the Swans this year. Dominic North brought passion and pathos into his role as the Prince and it was also good to see Will Bozier ( a very fine Swan) on stage as a Big Swan . A very special performance all round. Edited January 14, 2019 by Mandy Kent Typo 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmie Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 On 13/01/2019 at 12:44, Jan McNulty said: Matthew Bourne's New Adventures don't usually tour with an orchestra. They didn't have one at The Lowry. The sound of the recorded score was fine there and it didn't detract from the performance. Thanks Jan. I've watched the MB Swan Lake recording a couple of times now and I'm not sure I'd enjoy it live and was relying on at least having the music live. The problem is when I watch it and I hear the music I can't help but think of all the traditional Swan Lakes with the classical ballet and feel I wish I was watching that instead. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 4 hours ago, Timmie said: Thanks Jan. I've watched the MB Swan Lake recording a couple of times now and I'm not sure I'd enjoy it live and was relying on at least having the music live. The problem is when I watch it and I hear the music I can't help but think of all the traditional Swan Lakes with the classical ballet and feel I wish I was watching that instead. I can appreciate it's not for everyone but I just love this interpretation. It has always made sense to me that the swans are male. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted January 15, 2019 Share Posted January 15, 2019 In this production it's not necessarily a problem the swans being male though! its other things ....for me anyway! for me I didn't like the park setting with some sort of building walls hemming the scene in. Then I didn't like the final scene set in a bedroom ....again with walls hemming everything in. I just don't think it's suits the "freedom and redemption" of the music. There wasn't much wrong with the dancing per se. And thought the ballroom scene was terrific. I know it's Matthew Bourne's choice how he sets it etc ....it is HIS ballet....and I have really liked some of his other ballets....and looking forward to Romeo and Juliet...but I didn't take to this Swan Lake as much as I'd hoped to. I still haven't decided whether to go for that Sunday 27th ....to see Ball....I have a feeling it will end up being a VERY last minute decision...if snow is forecast that day I will probably aim get home earlier instead!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candleque Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Full, sustained standing ovation last night (Friday) 👏 Fully deserved. I's seen this ballet only once, when it opened on Broadway over twenty years ago. Spellbinding. The power of the swans blew my mind. It is such a vivid memory, that I almost didn't want to see this production. Thankfully, I did. Matthew Ball is mesmerising. I know audiences don't do standing ovations in the ROH, but it will be hard to keep me in my seat next time I see him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xandra Newman Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 Audiences do standing ovations at the ROH I've been part of several standing ovations in the past! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted January 19, 2019 Share Posted January 19, 2019 (edited) I suppose I'm getting old now ....as I would only give a standing ovation to a truely exceptional performance .....not as a matter of course for every show as seems to happen at the Wells....perhaps because the audience overall is a tad younger than at ROH? I do sometimes think the audience seems to be self consciously clapping for itself when they all stand up like that...sorry!! I know old fogey etc. It seems a bit showy I suppose. But it may be a bit of a tradition for Bourne shows? I do love the way the cast all join hands and run and whoop down the stage together ....perhaps this gets people going! Edited January 19, 2019 by LinMM 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riva Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Well I haven’t been able to concentrate at work all morning because I’m still in raptures about last night’s performance. I was quite nervous as I’ve not seen New Adventures before and I’m more of a classical fan, but I really enjoy the dark and dramatic RB rep particularly Onegin and the MacMillan, so was keen to try something new, and Matthew Ball was the lure to get me to take the plunge. It was my birthday-eve treat and I’d been building up to it all weekend (and indeed since booking... and RB Swan Lake and then the apprehension of Matthew’s injury and if he would be healthy enough to perform again). What if after all that excitement I felt nothing for it? I needn’t have worried. The orchestra struck the first chords of the prologue, the curtain was raised and in the opening minutes the Swan appeared, haunting the dreams of the Prince, with undulating body, a fantastic, beautiful, terrifying vision. I’m a huge admirer of Matthew Ball as an artist and it was brilliant to see him in such a different role, he truly inhabited the character and brought the piece to life. Interesting to see familiar music utilised in such contrasting choreography. I liked the alternative narrative, and humour, and thought Dominic North did a good job of expressing the Prince’s despair, and desire for freedom. Now how I wish a recording could have been made of Matthew Ball in the role, his performance was so special that it deserves to be remembered and cherished. One thing to note - the programme doesn’t include a synopsis so definitely worth a quick read of the Wikipedia entry if you like to be prepped for the action. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Glad you enjoyed it Riva I will give it another go at some point shame I won't see Matthew Ball though who I originally had booked to see. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 Another ‘ Swanderful’ performance from Matthew Ball tonight. I particularly noticed a fabulous and exuberant double tours landing on his side as The Stranger at the Royal soiree as he settled down to watch the Queen and Princesses dance (ACT 3 ).... one of Matthew’s extra ‘whoop-de-whooos’ just thrown in to heighten the party atmosphere ! And again those Swan arms....so expressive and beautiful. My friend hadn’t seen the show before and I enjoyed ‘watching it through her eyes’... I even laughed at the corgi which I haven’t done for a long time. I also loved watching Will Bozier in various incarnations tonight but especially as a ferocious Big Swan and a very irate Italian Princess's Escort. I haven’t yet managed to catch Max’s Swan so will probably be re-visiting the lake soon. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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