Theatre News

Matthew Bourne wins UK Theatre Award for outstanding contribution to British theatre

Bourne will receive his award at the UK Theatre Awards this weekend

Matthew Bourne receives The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre
Matthew Bourne receives The Stage Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre
© Dan Wooller

Matthew Bourne has been announced as the recipient of the outstanding contribution to British theatre award at the UK Theatre Awards 2015. He will receive the award on Sunday 18 October at London’s Guildhall.

Bourne is a five-time Olivier Award winner and the only British director to have won Tony Awards for both best choreographer and best director of a musical. His many credits include creating the world’s longest running ballet production, Swan Lake in which the swan roles – traditionally danced by women – were played by men, and working with Cameron Mackintosh to produce the hit musicals Mary Poppins, Oliver! and My Fair Lady.

Bourne danced professionally for 14 years and launched New Adventures in 2002 which is one of the UK’s most ground breaking dance companies, and a major exporter of British dance across the world. In recent years Bourne has also established Re:Bourne, a charity that inspires young people with a passion for dance, and the New Adventures Choreographer Award, which showcases emerging choreographic talent.

Rachel Tackley, president of UK Theatre, said: "I am a huge fan of Matthew Bourne’s work…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."

Hugh Comerford, managing director at The Stage, added: "Matthew Bourne has been a leading light of the UK theatre and dance scene for the best part of 30 years…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."