The Stage

Swan Lake

Published Thursday 10 June 2010 at 11:55 by Liz Arratoon

Visa bureaucracy put paid to the opening night appearance of the Berlin-based Russian guest artist Polina Semionova in the lead role of Derek Deane’s Swan Lake in the round. But no one should have been disappointed to see ENB senior principal Daria Klimentova instead, with her regular partner, rising star Vadim Muntagirov, debuting as the prince.

Daria Klimentová and Vadim Muntagirov in Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall Photo: Annabel Moeller

Vulnerable and delicate as the white swan, Klimentova comes into her own as the enticing vixen-like and dangerous black swan. Only 20, Muntagirov already has an enormous presence, leaping effortlessly and landing as softly as a cat, his movements always precise. Their duets are touching and confident in the lifts.

But what of the production as a whole? The leads are beautifully supported by a vast company, but the sheer expanse of the stage turns this into more of an arena show, a strange place for ballet. Howard Harrison’s lighting - particularly effective and rich in the birthday ball scene - plays a big part as there is minimal scenery, and a candy-floss floor covering of dry ice - which unfortunately also floods into the audience like an old pea-souper - makes the lake a thrillingly mysterious place.

But 60 synchronised swans in frosted tutus, while spectacular, begin to echo a regimented North Korean display.

Tchaikovsky’s rousing music, conducted by Gavin Sutherland, is played with considerable elan and there is the now obligatory nod to trendy circus with acrobats and jugglers, Arron Sparks standing out here.

Ultimately, the night belongs to the lovers. At opposite ends of their careers, they are mesmerising.