Car Man director Matthew Bourne pays tribute to Jonathan Ollivier

The Car Man director and choreographer Matthew Bourne has paid tribute to cast member Jonathan Ollivier, who died yesterday following a motorbike crash.

Bourne, who also worked with Ollivier on his productions of Swan Lake and Play Without Words, described him as "one of the most charistmatic and powerful dancers of his generation".

Ollivier had been due to perform in The Car Man's final night at Sadler's Wells yesterday, but died after his motorbike collided with a Mercedes car just after 11am. The performance was subsequently cancelled.

Bourne said:

"Yesterday we lost our Swan and our Car Man – Jonathan Ollivier was one of the most charismatic and powerful dancers of his generation: An intensely masculine presence tempered with tenderness and vulnerability made him the perfect casting for a string of triumphant roles in the New Adventures repertory including The Swan, the enigmatic Speight in Play Without Words and his final role as Luca in The Car Man which he was due to dance at last nights final performance at Sadler's Wells.

"A man of great warmth and charm, Jonny was a true gent, loved and respected by his colleagues and adored by audiences who were mesmerised by his memorable performances on stage as well as his friendly and genuine personality at the stage door. He was also an inspiration and role model to several generations of young dancers who strived to emulate his enviable technique and majestic stage presence.

"Yesterday's events have ripped at the heart of the New Adventures family and we join together to send our heartfelt condolences to all of Jonny's family and friends. In our grieving for this irreplaceable artist we take some comfort in the legacy of memories that he has left behind."