Director and choreographer Matthew Bourne has been named the recipient of this year’s Special Award at the 2019 Olivier Awards in recognition of his achievements in dance.
Bourne has created and directed dance for musicals, theatre, and film for 30 years, receiving numerous international accolades, including seven Olivier Awards as well as 1999 Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical for Swan Lake. This Special Award marks Bourne’s eighth Olivier, making him joint holder of the most-ever Olivier Awards alongside Judi Dench.
President of the Society of London Theatre Kenny Wax, said in a statement, “The Society of London Theatre is delighted to acknowledge Matthew Bourne’s extraordinary achievements in dance with this year’s Special Olivier Award. Matthew has transformed the landscape of dance in this country and across the globe with his bold, innovative and popular work, loved by audiences around the world.”
Past recipients of the Special Award include Kenneth Branagh, Stephen Sondheim, Dench, and Ian McKellen.
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Bourne has created choreography for Cameron Mackintosh’s productions of Oliver! and My Fair Lady, the National Theatre’s revival of South Pacific, and the 2004 production of Mary Poppins (with Stephen Mear), which returns to the West End later this year.
The Olivier Awards return to the Royal Albert Hall April 7. Nominees will be announced March 5.
