ONE of the world's leading classical companies returns with ballet's greatest love story.

Birmingham Royal Ballet present Swan Lake on the Mayflower Theatre stage next week.

By a moonlit lake, a grieving prince witnesses the transformation of a swan into a beautiful princess. Compelled by an evil spell to spend her days in the form of a bird, she can only be saved by the power of love.

This classic production features a sumptuous, towering gothic design with spectacular costumes including the famous flock of white tutus appearing from a glassy lake of dry ice.

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia's 50 musicians will bring Tchaikovsky's legendary score to life in a series of spectacular live performances from Tuesday to Saturday.

Birmingham Royal Ballet will also present a specially adapted performance for children aged 3 – 7

years old titled First Steps: A Child’s Swan Lake. This hour-long interactive programme is designed as a fun and colourful introduction to the exciting world of ballet featuring a full company of dancers and orchestra.

There's also two firsts for Southampton audiences, both on Saturday January 30. In the morning, ballet lovers are invited to go behind the scenes as the company of dancers open up their daily class. Ahead of curtain up in the evening, audience members are invited to join a select panel of some of BRB's most influential creative forces as they discuss life and performance as part of a world-renowned ballet company.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk