Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is making a long-awaited return to Shanghai, bringing back its groundbreaking all-male ensemble that turned the ballet world on its head. A bold, dramatic reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic, this internationally acclaimed production has captivated audiences from London to Broadway. After six years, it’s finally back—bigger, bolder, and ready to mesmerize once again.
Matthew Bourne’s daring and boundary-pushing reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake made a sensation when it premiered nearly 30 years ago, redefining the dance theatre landscape. Now the most successful dance theatre production of all time, it has captivated new audiences and inspired generations of dancers. In celebration of its lasting impact, Swan Lake returns in a major revival, bringing its bold vision to a new generation of performers and first-time audiences.

Thrilling, provocative, and emotionally charged, this genre-defining production remains best known for its radical replacement of the traditional female corps-de-ballet with a powerful all-male ensemble, a decision that shattered expectations and reimagined classical ballet.

Since its debut at London’s Sadler’s Wells in 1995, Bourne’s Swan Lake has taken the dance world by storm, becoming the longest-running full-length dance production in both the West End and on Broadway. It has toured globally, winning over thirty prestigious awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and three Tony Awards for Best Director of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Costume Design.

Press Acclaim:
"The show that changed the dance landscape FOREVER" – Observer
"Still THRILLING new generations. TERRIFIC" – Sunday Times
"SEE IT! Or live to regret it." – The Independent
Creative Team:
- Director & Choreographer: Matthew Bourne
- Composer: Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky
- Set & Costume Designer: Lez Brotherston
- Lighting Designer: Paule Constable
- Sound Designer: Ken Hampton
- Video Designer: Duncan McLean
- Associate Artistic Director: Etta Murfitt
- Resident Artistic Associate: Neil Westmoreland
- Rehearsal Associate: Dominic North