logo
‘Bringer of joy' and choreographer Matthew Bourne earns City of London freedom

‘Bringer of joy' and choreographer Matthew Bourne earns City of London freedom

Rhyl Journal5 days ago

The recognition was for his achievements in contemporary dance, during a career spanning more than four decades, which has seen him enliven productions of Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and Nutcracker.
At the ceremony at the Guildhall on Thursday, Sir Matthew, 65, 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.'
Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC, and honorary secondary of London Fiona Adler, from the Old Bailey, nominated Sir Matthew.
Sir Matthew has been an artistic director of Adventures in Motion Pictures, and dance company New Adventures, which he founded in 2002 and which specialises in contemporary dance.
His productions include The Car Man, a reinterpretation of composer Georges Bizet's 1875 opera Carmen, Romeo And Juliet, Cinderella, Play Without Words, and The Red Shoes.
For about three decades he has worked with theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, and Sir Matthew has brought his flair to musicals such as Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady and Oliver!
Deputy policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, James Thomson, said: 'As well as a major exporter of British dance to the rest of the world, Matthew is also the bringer of much joy, with the ability to leave people walking on air as they file out of the theatre.
'He is at the top of his game and is a very worthy recipient of the Freedom of the City of London, and I offer Matthew my warmest congratulations today, which will be echoed by his many millions of admirers.'
Sir Matthew was named the individual with the most Olivier Awards in 2020, when he received a ninth win.
He also has two Tony Awards, for directing and choreographing Swan Lake, and received a special Olivier Award in 2019.
Mr Lucraft said: 'Matthew's consummate skill for reimagining storytelling through dance is evident, not just by how audiences are mesmerised, exhilarated and moved by his productions, featuring troupes of supremely gifted dancers, but also by his hugely impressive collection of national and international awards.'
In 2001 Sir Matthew was made an OBE, and in 2016 was knighted in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year Honours, for services to dance.
The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237.
Recent recipients include comedian Sir Lenny Henry, theatre owner and producer Sir Cameron, and Lady Mary Peters, who won an Olympic gold medal in the athletics pentathlon in 1972.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Megan McKenna stuns in SECOND gorgeous wedding dress as she shares more snaps from wedding to footballer Oliver Burke
Megan McKenna stuns in SECOND gorgeous wedding dress as she shares more snaps from wedding to footballer Oliver Burke

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Megan McKenna stuns in SECOND gorgeous wedding dress as she shares more snaps from wedding to footballer Oliver Burke

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEGAN McKenna stunned in her second gorgeous wedding dress, as she shared even more snaps from her wedding to footballer Oliver Burke. The 32-year-old star, who got engaged to Oliver in June 2023, shared photos from her fairytale wedding over the weekend. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Megan McKenna stunned in her second gorgeous wedding dress, as she shared even more snaps from her wedding to footballer Oliver Burke Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna 6 The Towie star snogged her new husband in a cheeky snap Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna 6 Megan shared some behind-the-scenes photos from the reception Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna Megan, 32, looked like a princess in a white bridal gown with a long trail and veil. She was seen beaming with joy as she posed with her new husband, surrounded by hundreds of roses and a piano. And now, the former Towie star has shared new photos in a beautiful second wedding dress. Megan opted for a striking white floor length gown in a very chic design, and she beamed as she walked down the stairs at Grantley Hall. In other snaps, the mum-of-one was seen snogging her new hubby Oliver, with her wedding garters on show. She shared snaps of the delicious food, from personalised chips to their huge seven-tier cake. And Megan posted a sweet video from their special day, of Oliver twirling her around on the dance floor. The proud bride shared an inside look at the reception fun, with dance floor snaps and partying pics. She told her three million followers: 'My second dress was so special, Peter designed me a couture dress of dreams. Inspired by Jackie O. Shameless Arg dances with pal Megan McKenna at her wedding after assault arrest 'It was everything and more. Before our first dance & then the official Burke's after party I wanted to slip into something more sexy. I've added in some snaps from the evening… I hope you're enjoying my wedding content. There's a few more posts to go.' The big day comes eight months after they welcomed their first child together. Megan gave birth to a son named Landon in Germany on October 7. In the wedding snaps, the reality star wore a silk mikado ballgown with a pleated skirt, a sweeping train, and a corset bodice. Megan McKenna's TV Timeline Since her debut on Ex On The Beach, Megan has rarely been away from TV screens. Can you remember all the shows she has appeared on? 2009 - Britain's Got Talent, series 3 - ITV 2015-2016 - Ex On The Beach, series 3-4 - MTV 2016 - Celebrity Big Brother, series 17 - Channel 5 2016-2017 - The Only Way Is Essex, series 17-21 - ITVBe 2017 - There's Something About Megan - ITVBe 2018 - Celebs On The Farm, series 1 - Channel 5 2019 - Celebs Go Dating, series 6 - E4 2019 - The X Factor: Celebrity - ITV 2021 - Celebrity MasterChef - BBC One 2022 - Celebrity MasterChef: Festive Extravaganza - BBC One Megan then changed into a second gown, wearing a evening dress with a square neckline and pleated overskirt at the back. Oliver looked dapper in a black morning suit and a crisp white shirt. The new bride held a huge white bouquet of flowers and smiled from ear to ear as she leaned in for a kiss with Oliver. He then sweetly pecked his wife on the cheek in the black and white photo. The ceremony was held at the picturesque Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire. The former Towie star captioned the post: "Mr & Mrs Burke." Her close friends raced to congratulate the newlyweds. Scarlett Moffatt wrote: "Omg simply breathtaking. Huge congratulations to you both." Kelsey Parker gushed: "Omg you look Stunning Megan." Jess Wright posted: "Awww congratulations, beautiful darling," with a string of red heart emojis. 6 Megan opted for a striking white floor length gown in a very chic design Credit: instagram/@meganmckenna 6 The couple shared a look at their huge wedding cake Credit: Charlotte Wise Photography

Love Island star Megan Forte Clarke looks unrecognisable before finding fame as her glam makeover is revealed
Love Island star Megan Forte Clarke looks unrecognisable before finding fame as her glam makeover is revealed

Daily Mail​

time20 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Love Island star Megan Forte Clarke looks unrecognisable before finding fame as her glam makeover is revealed

Love Island star Megan Forte Clark looks totally unrecognisable in unearthed snaps of her before finding fame. The energy broker and actress, 24, is one of the 12 new islanders set to step into the iconic villa on Monday evening. Originally from Dublin, Megan has been dubbed a Maura Higgins lookalike from the minute she was rumoured to be in the line up. But old snaps of the star show her looking wildly different in her younger years before undergoing a glam makeover. Musical Theatre-loving Megan was seen posing for snaps with her pals sporting a backwards cap in costume for a production of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, while another snap showed her in a fresh-faced selfie. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Originally from Dublin, Megan has been dubbed a Maura Higgins lookalike from the minute she was rumoured to be in the line up Megan could also be seen sporting a very grungy style in a beanie hat and purple lipstick, as well as a fishnet face covering. She recently starred as one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, but she's likely to get the pulses racing on the ITV2 show due to her sassy Irish charm, which sparks further similarities to Love Island legend Maura. And Megan recently shared her priceless response after she was branded a 'Maura clone'. Commenting on the comparison and admitted it feels, 'Like unreal and like weird? Yes, thank you. Biggest compliment ever.' Maura, 34, is one of the show's success stories, staying in the Love Island family after reaching the final with Curtis Pritchard on series five in 2019. She went on to become the social media presenter for Love Island USA and Love Island Games, before taking her talents across the pond to present Love Island USA: Aftersun. And ITV bosses are hoping that Megan can recreate some of Maura's Irish magic on the series this year. Megan also revealed she shared a connection with Harriet Blackmore who featured in last year's Love Island. Megan could also be seen sporting a very grungy style in a beanie hat and purple lipstick, as well as a fishnet face covering 'I actually am friends with Harriet from last season. We worked together in Brighton for two years, so she's prepared me,' Megan explained. 'She's been telling me what to pack and stuff. So I feel like that's been a big help having her. 'I'm just excited, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I'm buzzing to get in there,' she added. Megan shared that they had a further connection to one another and went to the same university and went on to work together. She said: 'So we actually went to the same uni, but not at the same time, which is funny, but we worked in flannels together in Brighton.' The energy broker and actress, 24, is one of the 12 new islanders set to step into the iconic villa on Monday. (L-R Harry, Blu, Alima,Tommy, Megan, Helena, Ben, Sophie, Meg, Sharkia, Dejon and Conor) Megan has a distinguishing feature that won't go unnoticed, a Harry Potter-style lightning scar on her forehead, which she claims was a result of her 'slipping and falling down the stairs.' The actress already has a sizeable TikTok following and the social media platform is where she makes her comparison with unlucky-in-love Bridget. She said: 'I am the modern day Bridget Jones. Can I hold a man down? Don't be silly. 'Have I just been ghosted again? Absolutely. Am I still funny AF with great t*ts? Obvs.' NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self. NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Tommy Bradley AGE: 22 FROM: Hertfordshire OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though. WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair NAME: Alima Gagio AGE: 23 FROM: Glasgow OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway. NAME: Ben Holbrough AGE: 23 FROM: Gloucester OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here. NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Megan Forte Clarke AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Kyle Ashman AGE: 23 FROM: Stafford OCCUPATION: Water operative WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves. I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.

Megan McKenna shows off ‘insanely huge wedding cake' and glimpse of first dance after wedding to footballer Oliver Burke
Megan McKenna shows off ‘insanely huge wedding cake' and glimpse of first dance after wedding to footballer Oliver Burke

Scottish Sun

timea day ago

  • Scottish Sun

Megan McKenna shows off ‘insanely huge wedding cake' and glimpse of first dance after wedding to footballer Oliver Burke

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEGAN McKenna has shown off her 'insanely huge cake' - as well as a glimpse of her first dance - after her magical wedding to footballer Oliver Burke. TV star Megan, 32, who got engaged to Oliver, 28, in June 2023, previously delighted fans with photos from their fairytale day. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Megan McKenna has shown off her 'insanely huge wedding cake' - as well as a glimpse of her first dance with Oliver Burke. Credit: Instagram 7 The couple's jaw-dropping seven-tier cake was crafted by Victor Diaz at ML Bespoke Cakes Credit: Instagram Now, she's posted a second montage of snaps to Instagram, taken at the picturesque Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire. Many featured the couple's jaw-dropping seven-tier cake, which had been crafted by Victor Diaz at ML Bespoke Cakes. Megan looked like a princess in a white bridal gown with a long trail and veil. Oliver put on a suave display in a black morning suit and a crisp white shirt. In her caption, the Ex On The Beach alum wrote: "More magic from the best day of our lives. "Our insanely huge vintage wedding cake, a moment from our first dance & our beautiful table settings. "Victor @mlbespokecakes you created a masterpiece. The detailing into this cake was just incredible. Thankyou for all the work and hours you put into this. "Thankyou to our amazing wedding team @daisyamodioevents for bringing our vision to light on these table plans. We're so grateful for everything. "Ps. (I'm loving sharing our day with you guys) this has literally been my dream from a little girl." In other shots, Megan was seen beaming with joy as she posed with her new husband, surrounded by hundred of roses and a piano. Megan McKenna and Oliver Burke look loved-up in pics from joint stag and hen party ahead of wedding The big day comes eight months after they welcomed their first child together. Megan gave birth to a son named Landon in Germany on October 7. In the wedding snaps, the reality star wore a silk mikado ballgown with a pleated skirt, a sweeping train, and a corset bodice. Megan then changed into a second gown, wearing a evening dress with a square neckline and pleated overskirt at the back. Oliver looked dapper in a black morning suit and a crisp white shirt. The new bride held a huge white bouquet of flowers and smiled from ear to ear as she leaned in for a kiss with Oliver. He then sweetly pecked his wife on the cheek in the black and white photo. In another video from the event, shameless James Argent danced with Megan - just weeks after his assault arrest. Towie OG James beamed from ear-to-ear and busted a move alongside his former co-star Megan at her reception. Posting a video to Instagram from the festivities, he wrote in his caption: "Congratulations to the beautiful Bride, My dear friend @meganmckenna who got married to the lovely @oliverjburke yesterday. "I can't tell you how much it meant to me, That you wanted me there on your special Wedding day. "We danced together just like old times in Nu Bar Loughton when we were kids. "We always supported each other in those TOWIE days & remained friends ever since. "You've blossomed into an amazing woman. You're a fantastic mum & you're going to make a great wife! "And your a much better singer than me haha. Love ya." Country songstress Megan commented: "Thankyou so much, this is so lovely. What a night, your a special friend. Literally felt like old times at nu haha. The best love you." Mark Wright's mum Carol threw her support behind him too, writing: "Love this. Xxx." The post came shortly after beauty queen Nicoline Artuson, 32, released a bombshell statement revealing shocking details about James' attack on her. James turned on model Nicoline while they were at their home in Spain last month. He was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. 7 The pair got married at the picturesque Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire Credit: Charlotte Wise Photography 7 They shared a kiss in front of the gigantic cake Credit: Instagram 7 Megan posted a string of snaps to Instagram Credit: Instagram 7 In one video from the event, she danced with shameless James Argent Credit: Instagram

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store