Sir Matthew Bourne, the acclaimed choreographer, director, and Artistic Director of New Adventures, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his extraordinary contributions to contemporary dance. This prestigious honor celebrates a remarkable 40-year career marked by multiple awards and innovative works that have redefined the art form.
Sir Matthew was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by the Recorder of London, His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft KC, and the Honorary Secondary of London at the Central Criminal Court, Fiona Adler. He attended the prestigious ceremony at Guildhall, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, including several familiar faces from New Adventures.
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.”
Sir Matthew Bourne OBE is celebrated as the UK’s most acclaimed and influential choreographer and director. Since 1986, he has crafted groundbreaking dance works for musicals, theatre, film, and his own award-winning companies, earning widespread acclaim for his innovative approach.
Renowned for creating the world’s longest-running ballet production, Sir Matthew has garnered numerous international awards. In 2016, he was knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours for his exceptional contributions to dance. Additionally, he received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, one of the highest honors in the dance world, recognizing his outstanding dedication to the art of ballet.
Discover the latest updates on Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company at new-adventures.net.
