Johan Persson
SWANLAKE by Bourne, , Choreography - Matthew Bourne, Designs - Let Brotherston, Lighting - Paule Constable, New Adventures, 2018, Plymouth, Royal Theatre Plymouth, Credit: Johan Persson/
As Sir Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed production of Swan Lake swoops into Wimbledon, Jane McGowan catches up with principal dancer Max Westwell...
Max Westwell has a message for readers: “If you only see one ballet in your life, then it should be this one.” Quite a statement from a dancer who performed with the English National Ballet for 12 years, not to mention in the award-winning West End smash An American in Paris.
He is of course, talking about Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures production of Swan Lake – the multi-award winning, much acclaimed and much discussed, all-male version of the ballet classic. The piece, which previewed in 1995 and famously featured in the film Billy Elliot, breathed new life into the 19th-century production, the male dancers imparting a raw power, menace and physicality.
“I had always wanted to work with Sir Matthew and I had always wanted to dance this role,” reveals Max who plays the dual part of the Swan and the Stranger.
“I tried five years ago, but I was told it was not the right time for me. But I kept pushing. Actually, I became pretty dogged about it, I wanted it that much. And now it feels just amazing to be part of the company and actually doing it.”
Sir Matthew’s reimagining of Swan Lake follows the story of a Prince who, trapped by his fame and royal duties, becomes enthralled by the swans he sees on the lake. He is impressed by their wild, dangerous nature and dances with the Swan which appears to be their leader. During the third act the Swan reappears as the Stranger – a leather-clad intruder at a palace ball – and, while other guests are shocked and bemused by the arrival, the Prince becomes increasingly fascinated and ensnared by his freedom and recklessness. The Prince’s subsequent actions lead, unsurprisingly, to a torturous conclusion.
Throughout the run, the dual role is shared by three principals. It is one of the most physically demanding in the Bourne canon, and Max is aware of the toll it will take on his body. “It’s very, very hard,” he says. “We do a class every other day, either contemporary or ballet, as well as a rehearsal as each new theatre, is a different space, so things have to be adjusted. Plus the movement of the swan is a whole new world which takes time to get used to. I have to take an ice bath after every show.
“I have to be very disciplined – I take supplements and eat extra proteins and only allow myself one glass of wine at the end of the week. We are given notes after each show so we can keep improving. You have to really live this show to make it work for the audience.”
But for Max, who has wanted to be a dancer all his life, all the sacrifice and hard work has certainly been worth it.
“I was so hyperactive as a child,” he laughs. “My mum drove all over the place taking me to all kinds of sports and dance just to tire me out. But from quite a young age, I realised that dance occupied my body and my mind. I loved performing in front of people too; it made me happy, so my parents were happy for me to pursue it.”
And to dance this iconic role in such an iconic production is something pretty special, as Max fully acknowledges.
“This is the one, it is brilliant,” he asserts. “It is amazing from beginning to end. There is humour, danger, passion and such energy. Everyone who sees it says you leave feeling differently about ballet. So please, go and see it.”
What more can I say?
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is at New Wimbledon Theatre from Apr 16-20; The New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Apr 30-May 4.For tickets, visit: http://atgtickets.comatgtickets.com
