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Content suitable for all. Children under the age of five are not permitted into our theatres. Children over the age of five must have their own ticket and sit next to an accompanying adult.
Performance Dates
27 March - 31 May 2027
Run time: 3 hours
Includes interval
203 reviews
Top Rated Show
Reviewers highly rate this show
Experience the magic of Swan Lake at the Royal Ballet and Opera. This breathtaking production combines world-class dancers, lavish costumes and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music to create an unforgettable theatrical event. With glowing reviews and stunning choreography, Swan Lake ballet tickets are in high demand for one of the most celebrated classical ballets ever performed.
Swan Lake tells the tragic and romantic story of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a princess cursed by the evil sorcerer Rothbart to live as a swan by day and a woman by night. When Siegfried encounters Odette beside a moonlit lake, he vows to break the spell through true love and loyalty.
However, Rothbart deceives the prince by introducing Odile, the mysterious Black Swan, at a royal ball. Mistaking her for Odette, Siegfried unknowingly betrays his promise. Filled with love, heartbreak and redemption, the Swan Lake story remains one of the most beloved tales in ballet history, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and timeless themes.
Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Swan Lake music is among the most recognisable and celebrated in classical ballet history. The score perfectly captures the beauty, romance and tragedy of the story, with sweeping orchestral movements that remain instantly familiar to audiences around the world.
Famous compositions from Swan Lake include the dramatic “Scene Finale”, the elegant “Waltz”, the mesmerising “Dance of the Cygnets” and the emotional White Swan pas de deux. Tchaikovsky’s groundbreaking approach transformed ballet music into a rich, symphonic experience, helping Swan Lake become one of the most performed and beloved ballets of all time. Even today, the music continues to inspire audiences with its emotional intensity and timeless grandeur.
Planning your visit to Swan Lake London? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the famous ballet, its story and its music.
The story of Swan Lake follows Prince Siegfried, who falls in love with Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil curse. The spell can only be broken through true love and unwavering loyalty. When the sorcerer Rothbart tricks Siegfried into declaring his love for another woman, the prince must fight to save Odette and undo the curse. The ballet is known for its emotional storytelling, tragic romance and breathtaking choreography.
While Tchaikovsky composed many celebrated works, the Swan Lake theme is widely considered one of his most famous and recognisable compositions. The dramatic and emotional score has become synonymous with classical ballet and is instantly familiar even to those new to the art form. Other famous works by Tchaikovsky include The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, but Swan Lake music remains one of the most enduring pieces in theatre history.
The main character of Swan Lake is Odette, the Swan Queen, who is cursed to live as a swan for part of each day. Prince Siegfried also plays a central role as the young royal who falls in love with her and attempts to break the spell. Together, their tragic romance forms the emotional heart of the ballet, while Rothbart serves as the story’s powerful antagonist.
If you’re ready to be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s soaring score and a spellbinding tale of love, magic and tragedy, don’t miss Swan Lake in London this summer. Looking for more unforgettable dance or theatre experiences? Explore more spectacular musicals, discover the festive magic of Nutcracker or experience the grand drama of Phantom of the Opera.