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In Memory of Scott Ambler

2 September 2019
Scott Ambler and Matthew Bourne in "Dearest Love" from Town
Scott Ambler and Matthew Bourne in "Dearest Love" from Town Credit: Chris Nash

Last year we were sad to lose Scott Ambler, a much-loved friend and colleague since the early days of Adventures In Motion Pictures (AMP). He was instrumental in creating the unique style that is synonymous with New Adventures today and has been recognised as a Founder Artistic Associate. He will always be remembered for his iconic performances in many of our productions from Dearest Love from Town and Country to the childish glee of his naughty Fritz in Nutcracker!, as well as Cinderella, Play without Words and Edward Scissorhands. And not to forget the role for which Scott will always be remembered and the show that changed our lives and took us to the West End, Los Angeles and eventually Broadway. Swan Lake was a massive undertaking for a small company and put enormous pressure and responsibility on its central performers. He poured out his heart to Adam Cooper (who created the role of The Swan) and in the process heightened both of their performances creating an indelible memory for audiences and a special bond between these two men, who both dared to break new ground in this production.

Scott’s final show with New Adventures saw him co-direct Lord of The Flies - a project very close to his heart. Conceived as a way to inspire young men and boys with little or no dance or theatre experience to get involved in a New Adventures production, along with professional dancers, was frankly a very tall order but one that Scott relished. This really was Scott’s baby and to watch him and his team inspire over 8,000 young people, many who have gone onto careers in dance, was an awe-inspiring joy. 

Scott’s legacy lives on. Not just in our memories but in every one of those Lord of the Flies boys whose lives were changed by that project.

Earlier this year the company of Phantom of the Opera US tour, choreographed by Scott, launched a fund to support another talented young male dancer (of a similar background to Scott) to attend the same school he did.

For Scott's 19th birthday a few of his friends bought him six ballet lessons as a joke. Scott then went onto audition for Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and was accepted - the start of his incredible career. We'd like to add to the $6425 that his Phantom Phamily raised in the States and continue to receive donations in the UK to set up a bursary or gift to present to the Rambert School.

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