Master remaker of the classics

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake has been performed more times in 20 years than the Royal Ballet performed its classical version in its 75-year history, popularising the well-known classic to new generations

LIKE the proverbial swan turning into a beautiful woman in Swan Lake , the much loved work had also changed choreographer Matthew Bourne's life. "It made my company an international success, and now my works are more emotional and passionate, where they were more lightweight and humorous before," says the award-winning artistic director of New Adventures and resident choreographer at Sadler's Wells Theatre.

Bourne deserves credit for creating new audiences for the ballet classic - with Swan Lake being the longest-running dance production on West End. Notably, it has been performed more times in 20 years than the Royal Ballet performed the original work in its over 75-year history.