The multi-award-winning choreographer and director, Sir Matthew Bourne, has been given the Freedom of the , in recognition of his outstanding achievements in contemporary dance during a stellar career spanning over 40 years.
Sir Matthew, who was nominated by the Recorder of London, His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft KC, and the Honorary Secondary of London at the Central Criminal Court, Fiona Adler, attended his ceremony at Guildhall today, joined by family members, friends, and colleagues.
A professional dancer for 14 years, as Artistic Director of Adventures in Motion Pictures and later, the UK’s most successful dance company, New Adventures, he has created many signature works, including Swan Lake, The Car Man, Cinderella, Play Without Words, Edward Scissorhands, Dorian Gray, and The Red Shoes.
In the West End and on Broadway, Sir Matthew’s 30-year relationship with Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who received the Freedom in 2023, has resulted in the globally successful musicals, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady, and Oliver! Recent work includes directing Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends and his latest work for New Adventures, The Midnight Bell. He has also directed the new production of Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End.
Sir Matthew has won a record nine Olivier Awards, two Tony Awards (for Best Choreographer and Best Director of a Musical), and a Drama Desk Award. Other prestigious awards include six Los Angeles Drama Critic Awards, The Evening Standard Award, and the Astaire Award for Dance on Broadway.
In recognition of ‘Services to Dance’, Sir Matthew was awarded an OBE in 2001 and knighted in the 2016 Queen’s New Year Honours.
Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Sir Matthew Bourne said:
“As a born Londoner, I am particularly thrilled to be receiving the Freedom today. As the proud son of two children of the Blitz, who lived just streets away from each other in Walthamstow E17, I have made London my home for my entire life.
“It has been my playground, my workplace, and the inspiration for many of the works that I have made throughout my career, including Cinderella, Oliver!, Mary Poppins, and even Swan Lake!
“I am deeply honoured and grateful, and would like to thank Mark Lucraft and Fiona Adler for kindly nominating me for the Freedom.”
Deputy Policy Chairman of the Corporation, James Thomson, said:
“As well as a major exporter of British dance to the rest of the world, Matthew is also the bringer of much joy, with the ability to leave people walking on air as they file out of the theatre.
“He is at the top of his game and is a very worthy recipient of the Freedom of the , and I offer Matthew my warmest congratulations today, which will be echoed by his many millions of admirers.”
Recorder of London, His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft KC, said:
“Matthew’s consummate skill for reimagining storytelling through dance is evident, not just by how audiences are mesmerised, exhilarated, and moved by his productions, featuring troupes of supremely gifted dancers, but also by his hugely impressive collection of national and international awards.
“Fiona Adler and I have been delighted to support Matthew’s Freedom, in recognition of his hard work, dedication to his craft, and remarkable achievements on stage and screen.”
One of the ’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Recent high profile recipients include Poet Laureate Simon Armitage; comedian, actor, and writer, Sir Lenny Henry; Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold- and Silver-medal winning athlete, Lady Mary Peters; and former Shadow Home Secretary and Attorney General of England and Wales, Dominic Grieve.
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