Urban World

Moscow City Ballet in Swan Lake

Conducted by Igor Shavruk

Liliya Orekhova
Talgat Kozhabaev
Danila Orlov
Ivan Tarakanov
Sergei Zolotarev

Whether you have seen Swan Lake before or not, this is a beautiful production, well worth attending if you're able to.

The Moscow City Ballet sticks to the traditional story and it is as touching and gripping as it has ever been. Everything works together subtly, yet perfectly to deliver the electrifying love tale of the Swan Queen and her Prince.

Orekhova is pretty amazing as Odette/Odile. She gives a virtually flawless performance, seamlessly separating the vampish Odile from the vulnerable Odette without appearing to need the costume change.

Watch out for Tarakanov as the Jester. He brings life to Acts one and three. He really comes into his own in the betrothal ball in Act three when the stage erupts in lively colour as the brides from different nations parade themselves before the reluctant prince. As beautiful and graceful as the swans are in acts two and four, act three was ultimately my favourite part of the show.

Visually, I thought this was an impressive production. My only issue with it was that I wasn't convinced by the chemistry between Orekhova and Kozhabaev. They just appeared to be two amazing dancers moving alongside but not with each other. However, this does very little to detract from how effectively the story is conveyed in this case.

Overall, A thoroughly enjoyable show, definitely worth taking the whole family to. Just be sure to warn the kids that it's a long one.

Now Showing at Churchill theatre, Bromley.