One of Britain’s best loved choreographers, for his innovative modern dance takes on classic stories, was honoured at the UK Theatre Awards with The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre. Matthew Bourne, who already has five Olivier Awards under his belt, has built on his theatrical success year after year. His company is now over 25 years old, and has transformed classic ballets to establish a firm following all over the world.
Bourne’s work has become a firm favourite on the international stage, with his stunning, modern takes on iconic, usually traditional tales, including Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and his all-male Swan Lake. These new takes are without considering his other theatrical successes, such as The Car Man (based on Carmen), Highland Fling (based on La Sylphide) and many other innovative productions including Play Without Words and earlier works such as Spitfire.
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. He has also worked extensively with West End producer Cameron Mackintosh, with collaborations including Mary Poppins, Oliver! and My Fair Lady. In winning such a prestigious accolade, it is clear Bourne is a leading light of the UK theatre and dance scene, and has been for many years. He has thrilled audiences all over the UK and around the world with an incredible contribution to the arts industry.
Through Bourne’s work with Adventures in Motion Pictures and New Adventures, he has created an unrivalled and hugely successful repertoire and has helped to popularise contemporary dance and dance theatre internationally with new takes on old, sometimes worn out tales. Bourne’s award is part of the UK Theatre Awards,the only annual theatrical prize to celebrate achievement throughout the UK, both on and off the stage.