Trinity Laban alum and Honorary Companion Sir Matthew Bourne has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, one of the City’s most historic honours, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in dance over a career spanning more than 40 years.
The ceremony took place at Guildhall on 5 June, with Sir Matthew joined by family, friends, and colleagues. He was nominated by His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft KC, Recorder of London, and Fiona Adler, the Honorary Secondary of London at the Central Criminal Court.
Sir Matthew began his professional career as a performer before founding Adventures in Motion Pictures, followed by New Adventures, now the UK’s most successful dance company. His groundbreaking productions – including Swan Lake, The Car Man, Edward Scissorhands, Cinderella, Dorian Gray, and The Red Shoes – have captivated audiences worldwide and redefined the possibilities of dance theatre.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the arts, he was appointed an OBE in 2001 and received a knighthood in the 2016 Queen’s New Year Honours. In 2007, he was made an Honorary Companion of Trinity Laban, our highest honour, awarded to exceptional individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts.
Reflecting on the Freedom ceremony, Sir Matthew 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.”
Trinity Laban is proud to celebrate the continued success of Sir Matthew Bourne, whose visionary work and advocacy for dance education remain an inspiration to our community of artists and audiences alike.