This is London Magazine June Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 14
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Ananiashvili says: ‘I am thrilled to
bring our brand-new production of Swan
Lake to London following our hugely
successful season two years ago. After
serving the company since 2004 and
touring worldwide, it was time to
reinvigorate our production. I have
rejuvenated the choreography to infuse
fresh vitality into this enduring classic.
We are all very excited to return to
London for our summer season.’
From the first bars of Tchaikovsky’s
score, Swan Lake transports audiences
SWAN LAKE
into a world of enchantment. Audiences
The internationally acclaimed State
can prepare to be captivated by Prince
Ballet of Georgia, led by world renowned
ballerina Nina Ananiashvili, returns to the Siegfried’s love for the Swan Queen,
London Coliseum this month (17-26 July) Odette and their battle against the evil
sorcerer Rothbart, in this lavish staging of
with a new production of Swan Lake.
ballet’s greatest love story.
Performances in the company’s home
The company will be joined by
Opera and Ballet State Theatre in the
principal dancers from some of the
Georgian capital of Tbilisi last month
world’s leading ballet companies at
revealed the beautiful new set and
selected performances. All performances
costumes. More than 300 bespoke
are accompanied by the Royal Ballet
costumes have been created for the new
Sinfonia. Considered among the world’s
production by acclaimed costume
ten best classical companies, with a
designer Cyrille Gassilline and
tradition of 177 years, the State Ballet of
meticulously hand-crafted by the
Georgia demonstrates the sleek grace and
company’s costume department.
Georgia is one of the last places in the physicality of classical ballet at its best.
Swan Lake opens at the London
world where the centuries-old craft of
Coliseum, St. Martin’s Lane, WC2 on
hand-painted theatrical cloths continues
17 July for twelve performances only.
to flourish. The production's spectacular
scenic backdrops, created by Georgian
artist David Monavardisashvili, celebrate
this increasingly rare theatrical tradition.
They feature sumptuous, gilded detailing,
that evokes the grandeur of a royal palace.
Few ballerinas in history have been as
closely associated with Swan Lake as
Artistic Director, Nina Ananiashvili. During
her international career, she performed the
ballet with the Bolshoi Ballet, the
American Ballet Theatre and as a guest
artist with leading companies throughout
Europe, Asia and North America.
Sam Ryder.
Photo: Jack Robinson
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR AT THE
LONDON PALLADIUM
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
Jesus Christ Superstar is playing at the
London Palladium through the summer
until Saturday 5 September, starring Sam
Ryder as Jesus. The production has also
extended performances for a 12-week
engagement at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
from 16 October to 9 January. Joining Sam
Ryder as Jesus in his stage debut at The
London Palladium are five performers
sharing the role of King Herod: Jesse Tyler
Ferguson, Richard Armitage, Boy George,
Layton Williams and Julian Clary.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
iconic global phenomenon is directed by
Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier
Award-winner Drew McOnie and design
by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom
Scutt. This reunites the creative team of
the 2016 production 10 years on to create
a unique staging of their Olivier awardwinning, worldwide smash-hit production.
Jesus Christ Superstar follows the
events of the last days of the life of Jesus
Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas.
Reflecting the rock roots that defined a
generation, the legendary score includes
‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’,
‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number
‘Superstar’.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g