LIFE imitates art as the boy ballerina who won an Olivier Award as Billy Elliot becomes the star of Swan Lake.

Liam Mower, 21, looks back on his most famous role as he takes to the stage as The Prince in Matthew Bourne’s contemporary classic at the Mayflower next week.

He told Your Entertainment: “Billy was a really amazing experience. It was all a bit surreal at the time, but has been such a big part of my life for such a long time and an experience I can remember forever.

“I didn’t realise the enormity of it at the time, so it didn’t really affect me, but I know it has opened a lot of doors for me since and I’m loving what I’m doing.

“Back then I took it all in my stride, but now I get really nervous!”

The original all male interpretation of Swan Lake he stars in has turned tradition upside down and taken the dance world by storm, dazzling audiences in the West End, on Broadway and around the world and shattering the traditional concept of swans in tutus.

Since its London premiere, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake has been acclaimed as a landmark achievement on the international stage, collecting over 30 worldwide theatre awards, including three Tonys, and was famously immortalised in the film Billy Elliot.

Liam adds: “It’s completely different to anything I’ve ever done before and is my first adult role really. I’ve been with the company for three years now and have always played children or fairies, well mythical characters! So to play a human being, and particularly the Prince, is a dream role and something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Every male dancer wants to be in this show.”

  • Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake runs from Tuesday to Saturday. Liam then returns to The Mayflower in Edward Scissorhands in a year’s time. Limited tickets are available here>>