Swan Lake in-the-round

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Overview

The splendour of ballet on a grand scale

Get goosebumps as one of the greatest ballet spectacles unfolds before your eyes.

With 60 swans, stunning costumes and atmospheric lighting, this breathtaking in-the-round production by Derek Deane transforms the Royal Albert Hall into a magical lakeside world.

Dancers fill the Hall to tell the story of the Swan Queen Odette, her love for Prince Siegfried, and their battle against the evil sorcerer Rothbart – with the audience surrounding the action from all sides.

Combining compelling drama and touching intimacy, Swan Lake in-the-round enthrals and delights, from the lakeside seats to the top of the Hall, with Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Derek Deane’s smash-hit production, which caused a sensation at its premiere in 1997 and has since enchanted more than 600,000 people worldwide.

Be part of the magic – a Swan Lake experience not to be missed!

Tickets for Swan Lake in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall will go on sale in Spring 2026. Sign up to our e-newsletter to be notified when tickets go on sale.

Priority booking will open on Thursday 25 June.

General booking will open on Friday 26 June.  Sign up to our e-newsletter to be the first to know when they’re available.

3 reasons to see

A breathtaking vision. 120 performers on stage, including 60 swans.
A one-of-a-kind experience. The iconic ballet, performed in-the-round at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
Tchaikovsky's beautiful score performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Reviews

The 60 swans (...) surge out from beneath the organ, flooding the stage with white tulle, gliding through Deane’s crystalline floor patterns like a big snowy kaleidoscope.

Financial Times

Truly awe-inspiring... Derek Deane's spectacular for English National Ballet still has major wow factor.

The Telegraph

Grand reworking of the world’s favourite ballet remains a breathtaking spectacle.

The Stage

Sixty swan maidens cast in-the-round magic.

The Times

When the swans make their first entrance, wave after wave of them, it’s awesome. To see them move and breathe as one is profoundly touching.

The Observer

Deane has opened up this gorgeous classic for all to enjoy. If you are curious about ballet, now is the time.

The Sunday Express

Spectacular... Brought magic and glorious dancing to a packed Royal Albert Hall.

Culture Whisper

Meet the team

Derek Deane

Choreography and Direction

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Music

Peter Farmer

Design

Howard Harrison

Lighting Design

More access

Find out more about access at our touring venues.