IMAGINE Matthew Bourne’s surprise when he received a request from Buckingham Palace for a special performance of his best-known work.
There’s nothing odd in the Queen wanting the West End’s longest running ballet to feature in the Royal Variety Performance.
But, in Bourne’s version of Swan Lake, the Royal Family is recognisably based on our own – with a playboy prince, an unconventional girlfriend and political machinations.
“The Royals have secretly had a history of liking this piece,” reveals the choreographer.
“Quite a lot of them come to see it and have it on DVD.”
Is it the beautiful Tchaikovsky score that attracts the Windsors to the piece – or could it be something deeper?
“I think it’s quite sympathetic towards Royals,” says Bourne of his creation, which tours to the Empire next month.
“It’s about someone who can’t be the person they really are.
“And, if you think about it, how can a Royal be anything other than perfect?
“But they’re not, of course, they’re just human.”
Originally created almost 15 years ago, the show has shown no sign of dating.
“When you make a piece, you don’t think ‘Oh, I’m making this for 20 years’ time’ and hope it’s still going to work,” says the 50-year-old.
“You can’t predict how people are going to feel in 10 years’ time.
