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Director and choreographer Matthew Bourne has been named the recipient of this year\u2019s Special Award at the 2019 Olivier Awards<\/a> in recognition of his achievements in dance.<\/p>\n Bourne has created and directed dance for musicals, theatre, and film for 30 years, receiving numerous international accolades, including seven Olivier Awards as well as 1999 Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical for Swan Lake<\/i>. This Special Award marks Bourne\u2019s eighth Olivier, making him joint holder of the most-ever Olivier Awards alongside Judi Dench<\/a>.<\/p>\n President of the Society of London Theatre Kenny Wax, said in a statement, \u201cThe Society of London Theatre is delighted to acknowledge Matthew Bourne\u2019s extraordinary achievements in dance with this year\u2019s Special Olivier Award. Matthew has transformed the landscape of dance in this country and across the globe with his bold, innovative and popular work, loved by audiences around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Past recipients of the Special Award include Kenneth Branagh<\/a>, Stephen Sondheim<\/a>, Dench, and Ian McKellen<\/a>.<\/p>\n SEE WHAT IS SCHEDULED TO PERFORM IN LONDON<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Bourne has created choreography for Cameron Mackintosh\u2019s productions of Oliver!<\/i> and My Fair Lady<\/i><\/a>, the National Theatre\u2019s revival of South Pacific<\/i><\/a>, and the 2004 production of Mary Poppins<\/i><\/a> (with Stephen Mear), which returns to the West End<\/a> later this year.<\/p>\n The Olivier Awards return to the Royal Albert Hall April 7. Nominees will be announced March 5.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n