Soaring to New Heights: Harrison Dowzell on performing in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Matthew Bourne’s reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, Swan Lake, is currently being performed at Newcastle Theatre Royal (until Sat 5 Apr). The production caused a sensation when it premiered almost 30 years ago and has since become the most successful dance theatre production of all time. In celebration of that ongoing impact, we spoke to dancer Harrison Dowzell to find out what performing in such an iconic production means to him…

What inspired you to become a dancer, and how did you get involved with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures?

I was inspired to start dancing when watching dance films such as Breakin’, Step Up and Billy Elliot. I was transfixed by Billy, partly because I felt I could relate to him as I was a similar age, but what still gets me is the final scene where Billy does the iconic leap from Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. From that moment I knew I wanted to be able to do that! 

I got involved with New Adventures through my teacher, I went to the young cast audition for Romeo and Juliet and was invited to do some workshops and take class and was later invited to be part of the company. 

What does it mean to you to perform in such an iconic and revolutionary production? Do you have a favourite scene or moment in the performance?

It means the world to be able to perform in this iconic show every night and become part of the history of the show. 

I love the moment when my character The Stranger comes into the royal ball and jumps off the balcony, and I also love the scene when The Swan is defending The Prince from being attacked by the other swans on and around The Prince’s bed. 

Which role do you play, and what has been the most exciting or challenging aspect of your performance?

I play the dual role of The Swan/The Stranger. The most challenging aspect of the performance was becoming match fit in order to deliver the role to a certain standard every show, without feeling fatigued or running out of steam. 

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is famous for replacing traditional female swans with an all-male ensemble. How does this change the physical and emotional demands of the role?

I can imagine that it changes the physical demands as the movements are very unique and swan-like, so some of our swan movements are unnatural to how we would normally move. It has many, many jumps! We are also barefoot when playing the swans, which can be taxing on the toes and body. 

How do you prepare physically and mentally for such an intense performance?

To physically prepare for the show I take class and do strengthening exercises. Pre-show, I warm up and stretch again, go over certain parts of the performance and read my notes. If I am scheduled to perform as The Swan, I mentally prepare from the moment I wake up. I also watch what I eat and drink as I want to supply my body with the right supplements to give me energy for the show.

What do you enjoy most about touring? Any memories of Newcastle specifically?

I love finding local independent coffee shops and sitting down to read my book, or having a stroll through the city streets with my headphones in. Last time I performed in Newcastle I had to walk by St James Park every day on my way to the theatre and I loved seeing the statue of Shearer! 

What advice would you give to young dancers who aspire to be performers?

My advice would be to never give up and constantly push yourself to be the better you. Put in the work and you will see the results. 

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 25 Mar – Sat 5 Apr 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.