On Sunday 7 April we attended the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall closing the ceremony with Matthew Bourne receiving this year's Special Award followed by an exclusive performance of The Prince and Swan duet from Swan Lake.
Matthew was presented with the Special Award in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in dance. New Adventures patron Darcey Bussell along with actor Richard E. Grant gave a heartfelt speech prior to Matthew being given his award by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. This award is Matthew's eight Olivier, making him joint winner of the most awards along with Dame Judi Dench. In the audience we were joined by company members old and new as well as some of our Associate Artists, the entire Board of Trustees, staff and friends of the company. It was a truly spectacular evening with Ashley Shaw, last seen playing the title role of Cinderella, also giving the award for Best New Dance Production.
Following Matthew receiving his award Will Bozier, as The Swan, and Dominic North, as The Prince performed an excerpt from Swan Lake, joined on stage by fellow swans: Isaac Peter Bowry, Tom Broderick, João Castro, Keenan Fletcher, PJ Hurst, James Lovell, Sam Salter and Stan West.
