Help Swan Lake Take Flight

Swan Lake is one of the world’s most beloved ballets — an enduring story of love, transformation and sacrifice, brought to life through Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.

Now, Northern Ballet is creating a major new production in partnership with Ballet de l’Opéra National de Bordeaux , reimagining this timeless classic through our distinctive storytelling style.

Premiering in France in December 2026 before touring the UK in autumn 2027, this ambitious new production will be performed with a live orchestra and will offer audiences a powerful new perspective on a much-loved masterpiece.

Following the success of Gentleman Jack and its exploration of compelling female characters, our Swan Lake places renewed focus on Odette as a woman of strength, agency and emotional depth, while remaining true to the spirit of the original ballet.

But before the orchestra stirs and the swans gather on the moonlit lake, Swan Lake begins with something smaller:

A single feather.
A first act of belief.
A handful of visionary supporters willing to help this production take flight.

Choose Your Founder’s Feather

£5,000 — The Royal Feather

A leading gift helping the production take flight.

Supporters at this level will receive premium tickets and invitation to opening night, exclusive behind-the-scenes access with the creative team, and opportunities to observe rehearsals as Swan Lake comes to life.

£3,000 — The Moonlight Feather

Supporting the beauty, artistry and vision of the ballet.

Includes premium tickets, invitations to opening night, and opportunities to experience the rehearsal process.

£1,000 — The Lake Feather

Helping support rehearsals, costumes and design.

Includes premium tickets and invitations to opening night.

A Gift of Your Choosing — The First Feather

Every Swan Lake begins with a first feather.

Your support, at any level, will help bring this extraordinary new production to the stage.

Double Your Impact

To launch our Swan Lake appeal, the first £5,000 of donations received will be generously matched pound for pound thanks to a gift from Imogen and Chris Knight.

This matched funding gives you the opportunity to make twice the impact, helping us build the momentum needed to bring this project to life.

As matched funding is limited, early support will make an especially powerful difference.

The Difference Your Gift Could Make

£15 could buy one pair of ballet flats
£55 could equip a dancer with a pair of pointe shoes
£175 could fund a scenic artist or carpenter for a day to help build the set
£350 could enable us to build a stunning stage prop
£750 could support learning and access initiatives such as audio described performances
£1,000 could help create a costume for a leading role
£3,000 could fund the creation of part of a major new set
£5,000 could help fund live orchestral music throughout the tour

Amount: £15

Other amount ⇒

£

Copyright

Other ways you can donate: Cheque

Please make cheques payable to 'Northern Ballet Limited'

And send to:

Gentleman Jack appeal
Northern Ballet,
2 St. Cecilia Street,
Quarry Hill,
Leeds
LS2 7PA

BACS

Please contact the Development team for more details at development@northernballet.com