One of Britain’s best loved choreographers, Matthew Bourne, will be honoured at Sunday’s UK Theatre Awards when he is given The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre.
The five-time Olivier Award winner has become a firm favourite on the London stage with his series of stunning, modern takes on classic ballets including Sleeping Beauty and his all-male Swan Lake, alongside multiple innovative productions including The Car Man and Play Without Words.
Bourne began his career as a dancer, founding Adventures In Motion Pictures in 1987 and later New Adventures, the company he is now famous for. Outside of his work for the world-renowned company he has also worked extensively with leading West End producer Cameron Mackintosh; their collaborations including musical hits Mary Poppins, Oliver! and My Fair Lady.
Alongside his Olivier Award-winning successes, he is the only British director to have won Tony Awards for both Best Choreographer and Best Director of a Musical, and is the recipient of numerous other major prizes including New York’s De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement Critics’ Circle National Dance Award.
Commenting on this year’s recipient of the prestigious accolade, Hugh Comerford, Managing Director at The Stage, said: “Matthew Bourne has been a leading light of the UK theatre and dance scene for the best part of 30 years. Through his work with Adventures in Motion Pictures and New Adventures he has created an unmatched repertoire and has helped to popularise contemporary dance and dance theatre in London, across the UK and around the world. He is a hugely deserving recipient of this award.”
Rachel Tackley, President of UK Theatre, echoed his sentiments, saying: “I am a huge fan of Matthew Bourne’s work which has been inspiring and thrilling audiences all over the UK and around the world for many years. I am delighted that his incredible contribution to our industry is being honoured at this year’s award ceremony. I can’t wait to see what he has planned next.”
The UK Theatre Awards are the only annual theatrical prize to celebrate achievement at venues throughout the UK, both on and off the stage. 2015’s event will see musical theatre star Michael Xavier compère the ceremony at London’s Guildhall and more than 15 awards presented, with performers including Imelda Staunton, Laura Pitt-Pulford and Alex Hassell in the running.
View the full list of nominations here.