Matthew Bourne awarded Freedom of the City of London

The multi-award-winning choreographer, director and New Adventures Artistic Director, Sir Matthew Bourne, has been given the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in contemporary dance during a stellar career spanning over 40 years.

Sir Matthew, 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. Matthew attended his ceremony at Guildhall yesterday, joined by family members, friends, and colleagues, including some familiar New Adventures faces!

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.”