Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake is a reimagined version of the classic ballet, famous for its bold, innovative approach that deviates from traditional interpretations. Premiering in 1995, it quickly became a landmark production, celebrated for its contemporary twist on the beloved Tchaikovsky ballet.

One of the most striking elements of Bourne's Swan Lake is the decision to replace the traditional female swan dancers with male dancers. This change adds a layer of intensity and power to the choreography, bringing a fresh dynamic to the iconic swan scenes.

Bourne's production is known for its darker, more dramatic atmosphere. The production reimagines the story of Prince Siegfried, exploring themes of repression, desire, and control, while also maintaining the core narrative of the prince's relationship with the swan queen and his struggle between love and duty.

It brought a new audience to ballet, blending contemporary dance with classical traditions and offering a fresh interpretation of a well-known story.

The production has toured internationally, with numerous revivals and adaptations, and remains one of Bourne’s signature works.