A PRODUCTION of Swan Lake is set to take the country by storm after receiving a five-star Argus review as its UK run got under way in Brighton.

The new staging of the Tchaikovsky ballet is being toured by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia. After opening here last Thursday – the first night of two at the Theatre Royal Brighton – the show heads to Blackpool and Bristol.

The esteemed company, which is directed by renowned Russian dancer Sergei Bobrov, was applauded by our reviewer for its “memorable score [which] combined romance and menace to make a superb evening’s entertainment”.

Our man summed up the production as possessing “enough warmth to melt the coldest Siberian winter”.

He particularly praised Dmitry Dyachkov in his role as the Prince for “showing gentle strength and precision while portraying the passion of the piece”.

General manager of the Theatre Royal, John Baldock, observed the presence of many children in the audience for the two performances and said that 38 per cent of the crowd were first-time bookers at the venue.

“Swan Lake looked perfect in the surrounding of the theatre and offered the many young people in the audience an opportunity to see this world famous ballet for the first time,” he added. “It was a real family treat with children, parents and grandparents enjoying the spectacle.

“The near capacity audiences were delighted by the beautiful sets and costumes, live orchestra and stunning dance skills.” Echoing The Argus’ reviewer, Mr Baldock added: “Swan Lake left a warm glow on a cold January day.”

Swan Lake was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875 and, despite initially negative reviews, is now one of the most popular ballets of all time.

The story revolves around Odette, a princess turned into a swan by a sorcerer’s curse. It had its premiere in a Moscow Bolshoi Ballet performance – the famous dance company that Bobrov was once principal dancer for.

The artistic director said the best thing about working with the Russian State Ballet of Siberia is “the feeling that you are part of the great mechanism bound for success”.