Latest news with #MatthewBourne
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street newcomer Richard Winsor's secret past revealed in VERY sexy famous role
CORONATION Street newcomer Richard Winsor's secret past has been revealed in a very sexy famous role. The actor has joined the ITV soap for a guest stint in a storyline involving Todd Grimshaw and boyfriend Theo - but it's not his first foray into fame. 3 3 3 Former Casualty hunk Richard - who played Caleb Knight - found TV fame in the BBC soap. His character Caleb was stabbed to death by Scott Ellisson in Casualty in 2017. He was killed during a fight while trying to protect his brother, Ethan. Richard also starred in Hollyoaks as the sexy priest - Father Francis - who had an affair with Carmel McQueen (Gemma Merna). However years before he landed a major role as a ballet dancer. The star stripped off to appear as the lead in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. He said at the time: "I'm not a classical ballet dancer. "I never wanted to go into it or do classical ballets as such. That's why Matthew Bourne's company - in the early parts of my dance career -- was absolutely perfect for me. 'I saw his Swan Lake when I was in college and was just blown away. The level of narrative and story telling, the drama and passion behind it really hit me hard. That's what I wanted- to become the lead, the star of his company. 'I've been so fortunate and blessed that it happened.' StreetDance 3-D - Exclusive The character first appeared this week on screen later this month as he comes to visit his friend Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank). Noah's arrival on the cobbles soon sends shivers down the spine of Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) who instantly recognises Noah as one of the members of the conversion therapy sessions that he used to be forced to attend by his religious parents. Theo is spooked by Noah's presence and soon reveals all to his boyfriend Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) about who Billy's new pal really is.
Press and Journal
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Review: Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake simply sensational as it takes to Aberdeen's HM Theatre
I vividly remember the first time I saw Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, and I was convinced it was the best production I had ever witnessed on stage. And last night, as it took to the Granite City for its 30th anniversary tour, I became an even bigger believer. I am a huge ballet fan, especially for someone who stopped wearing a tutu when I was about 8. But nothing compares to the feelings this piece of art evokes from the audience. I'm not sure, but I do believe last night's performance was the first time I've ever experienced the audience audibly cheering at the end of act one. It is almost hard to put into words just how good this is. From the first haunting note to the final dramatic moment, it was a performance that utterly consumed me. This production broke new ground when it first premiered in 1995 by replacing the traditionally female swans with an all-male ensemble. Three decades on, that decision still feels revolutionary — not just for its boldness, but because it works so completely. The male swans bring a physicality, ferocity, and rawness to the stage that mirrors the power and elegance of real swans more closely than any ballet I've seen. The dancers' movement is animalistic yet artistic, and impeccably portrays both beauty and threat. There's also something visceral about the way the swans move. They ripple across the stage with wing-like arms that strike out in bursts of strength and sudden grace. Rather than the typical portrayal of dainty little swans, these dancers are intense, proud, and untamed — and in that, they feel astonishingly real. The central Swan, played by Rory Macleod, was utterly mesmerising. But the magic happened when the swans came together and dominated the stage, it was uttlely breathtaking. The choreography is powerful, emotive and funny. Contemporary to its core, yet it stays utterly true to the traditional Swan Lake in so many ways. From the use of shadows to the vocal hissing of the swans the tiny intricate details brought a whole other dimension to the Tchaikovsky classic. As the curtain went down for the final time the audience was clearly in agreement with me. An immediate standing ovation was more than deserved. The last time I was fortunate enough to see this masterpiece was in 2018 and I am seriously considering purchasing tickets to watch it again this weekend. I don't want to wait another seven years before the opportunity arises again. I could not recommend this more highly. You can buy your tickets here.
Extra.ie
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
In Pics: Familiar faces flock to opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake
The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre was buzzing on Tuesday evening as audiences flocked to the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. A mix of theatre lovers, dance fans, and familiar faces from the Irish social scene hit the red carpet for the much-anticipated return of Bourne's iconic production. Among those spotted were Katja Mia, Arthur Gourounlian, Zeinab Elgouzolui, Laura Nolan, Thalia Heffernan, Andrea Gilligan and Paul Quinn. Arthur Gourounlian at the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Nearly 30 years after it first turned the dance world upside down, Swan Lake is still as gripping and groundbreaking as ever. Zeinab Elguzouli at the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Bourne's bold decision to replace the traditional female swan corps with a powerful male ensemble shocked audiences when it premiered back in 1995 —and the impact hasn't faded. Laura Nolan at the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Since its debut at London's Sadler's Wells, the production has picked up a mountain of awards — including an Olivier and three Tonys — and toured worldwide, cementing its place as a true classic of modern dance theatre. Thalia Heffernan and her mother Susan Ebrill at the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake runs at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre until Saturday, May 24. Andrea Gilligan and Paul Quinn at the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography
Irish Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish stars step out for opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake
Irish stars stepped out for the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. The reinvention of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece is currently showing at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin. The show premiered almost 30 years ago and has now become the most successful dance theatre production of all time, creating new audiences and inspiring generations of young dancers. Dubliner Stephen Murray also dances in the show. On Tuesday night, Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian, model Thalia Heffernan, who brought her mam Susan Ebrill, FM104's Zeinab Elguzouli, Andrea Gilligan and Paul Quinn of Virgin Media News; as well as Laura Nolan, David O'Reilly and Katja Mia all stepped out for the opening night. First staged at Sadler's Wells in London in 1995, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake took the dance theatre world by storm, becoming the longest running full-length dance classic in the West End and on Broadway. It has since been performed across the globe, collecting over 30 international accolades 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.
Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake: Magical performance explains why show still enchants so many
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake: Next Generation Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin ★★★★★ The cast of Matthew Bourne 's Swan Lake interpret this show with the energy of fledgling dancers creating something for the first time, yet with the expert precision of sage performers. Sparks fly from the moment the prince reaches out to the queen for unrequited affection until the end when he tangles with the swan/stranger. In between are a humorous ballet pastiche, a sultry nightclub foray and the now infamous ritual-like dances for male swans. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this ballet has earned its recognition as one of the most beloved Swan Lake interpretations of all time. Bourne has created a production that is very unlike the traditional Swan Lake and has become so familiar to dance audiences that many current company members decided to pursue dance as a career after watching the show when they were young. In turn, the cast brings an irrepressible energy to the stage. Dublin native Stephen Murray dances a flawless interpretation of the prince, developing from an earnest yet downcast son to a hopeful young man who discovers another side of himself when encountering a mysterious swan (the superb Jackson Fisch) during a fraught evening at a park. READ MORE [ Irish Swan Lake star Stephen Murray: 'After the show you're emotionally drained. Leaving it on the stage is a big challenge' Opens in new window ] The prince's discovery unleashes an onslaught of male swans who bound across the stage in relentless leaps and lunges, punctuated with exquisitely timed wrist flicks and knee swivels. All of this convinces the prince he might be able to break free of the royal confines and express a part of himself that longs for acceptance. His hopes are dashed later at the palace ball when the swan, appearing as a stranger, makes a grand entrance. The stranger seduces the queen (an infallible Katrina Lydon) in a nod to the traditional Swan Lake where the white swan Odette deceptively reappears as the black swan, Odile. Here the stranger takes turns tantalising every female in the room, at the same time, driving the prince mad. One of the joys of Bourne's company, New Adventures, is its ensemble cast, and Jade Copas, another dancer from Ireland, dazzles as she introduces the men in the ballroom scene. Bourne has a gift for syncopation in his choreography that combines craftsmanship with theatricality and a touch of whimsy, such as the maids mechanically waving their upturned elbows or the silhouetted dancers in the nightclub swaying slightly offbeat. His ability to then inject humour while consistently maintaining such an impressive level of artistry has helped him build a decades-old reputation for successfully marrying commercial sensibilities with classical dance. He also has assembled a team of collaborators whose reputations have grown hand in hand with the company's, including set and costume designer Lez Brotherston and sound designer Ken Hampton. But perhaps his biggest accomplishment is the ability to lead a company whose dancers have worked together for years yet perform on a Tuesday night in Dublin with the same intensity as an opening night on Broadway. As distressing as it feels to watch the prince and his beloved swan suffer through their dramatic demise at the end of this show, there is satisfaction in the way Bourne does it. There's a flurry of drama punctuated with moments of stillness, engulfed by climactic music against a set that feels like its own character in how it morphs and comes to life. But mostly Bourne ignites the talent of each performer until they exude a sizzling energy that transcends dance steps, musical counts and character portrayals. He unearths their artistry and creates an alchemy that is mighty, and while this kind of magic may not happen during every performance, if even a fraction of it shines through on the show's pearl anniversary tour, bring on the next 30 years. Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake: Next Generation is at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre , as part of Dublin Dance Festival , until Saturday, May 24th
