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Stephen Mear

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BIO

Stephen Mear is an English dancer, choreographer and director best known for his award-winning work in musical theatre.



In the 1990s, Mear taught dance at the London Studio Centre. In 2005 he and co-choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Choreography, for their work on the new West End musical Mary Poppins, which they subsequently won once more for the revival of the same production in London at the 2020 Olivier Awards. This production later transferred to Broadway in 2006, being nominated for the Tony Award for Best Choreography in 2007. Mear choreographed the Broadway musical of Disney's The Little Mermaid (2007–08). Mear also Choreographed Sunset Boulevard in the West End (2016) and on Broadway (2017), starring Glenn Close. In recognition of his achievements, in 2006 and 2015 Mear was the recipient of a Carl Alan Award, an award voted for by leading dance organisations in the United Kingdom. In 2010, Stephen Mear won a Laurence Olivier Award for best Theatre Choreographer for his work on Hello Dolly at the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, he was also a choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance (UK), in the category broadway.

Olivier Award Nominations include; Gypsy (2016), Kiss Me Kate (2013), Crazy for You (2012), Sweet Charity (2011), Sinatra (2007), Singin' in the Rain (2001) and Soul Train (2000).

TV credits include; The Tracey Ullman Show - (Library number - BBC1 2016), Gypsy - Live at the Savoy (BBC4 2015), The Vote - Donmar Warehouse Live on More4 (UK Election night 2015), Psychobitches - Samantha Spiro as Judy Garland, Sheila Reid as Margot Fonteyn (Sky Arts 2012), So You Think You Can Dance (2009-2010) Victoria Wood's Christmas Special (BBC/DVD 2009) Acorn Antiques The Musical (BBC/DVD)

Music Videos include; Number 1 - by Goldfrapp. The Importance of Being Idle - by Oasis (In 2006 the video won the Shockwaves NME award for best video and in 2005 it was also nominated for a Q award

His partner is dance teacher and Choreographer Mark Smith, who is deaf. Mear was co-choreographer for Mary Poppins, created the entire "sign language" combination/idea for the show's hit musical number Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, because of the knowledge of sign language he had.

Mear was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to dance

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
London Production, 1993
Wyatt

[West End]
London Revival, 1992
Performer

[West End]
London Production, 1989
Ensemble

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Choreography
 
[West End, 2023]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2023]
Choreography
 
[West End, 2023]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2021]
Co- Choreographer
 
[West End, 2021]
Co-Choreographer
 
[Chicago, 2020]
Choreographer
Director
 
[West End, 2020]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2019]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2018]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2016]
Choreography
 
[West End, 2012]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2011]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2010]
Choreographer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2007]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2006]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2005]
Choreographer
 
[London Fringe, 2005]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2004]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2004] Cancelled
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2003]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2002]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2000]
Choreographer

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2016 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Stephen MearGypsy

Olivier Awards - 2013 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Stephen MearKiss Me, Kate

Olivier Awards - 2012 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Stephen MearCrazy For You

Olivier Awards - 2011 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Stephen Mear, Sweet Charity


winner
Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Stephen MearHello, Dolly!

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Stephen Mear, Sinatra at the London Palladium

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Choreography

Stephen Mear, Mary Poppins

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Choreography

Stephen Mear, Mary Poppins

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Choreography

Stephen Mear, Mary Poppins

Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Choreograph

Stephen Mear, Mary Poppins

Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Theatre Choreographer

Stephen MearSoul Train

Videos

News


Full Cast Set For MARY POPPINS UK and Ireland Tour

Full casting has been announced for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the classic multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS, opening at Bristol Hippodrome from 4 November 2024, returning to where the magic originally began and marking the 20th anniversary since the musical's world premiere.
STORIES Brings Tap Dance To The West End This Autumn

resh from a sold-out European tour, France’s Got Talent finalists, RB Dance Company, presents the UK premiere of its critically acclaimed, award-winning production Stories- The Tap Dance Sensation at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre from Wednesday 23 October - Saturday 2 November 2024. 
Further Venues Set for MARY POPPINS UK and Ireland Tour

Following a record-breaking run in London’s West End, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group have announced further venues for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the classic multi award-winning musical MARY POPPINS. 
Center Theatre Group Will Reopen Mark Taper Forum With Deaf West AMERICAN IDIOT; Full Season Announced!

Center Theatre Group has announced its full slate of programming under Snehal Desai's artistic leadership with its 2024/25 Season called 'One CTG. One LA.' The company has also revealed that the Mark Taper Forum will reopen after 16 months of closure.
Cast Set for A SECOND CHANCE - A NEW MUSICAL Presentation

You Do It Entertainment LTD with Carter Dixon McGill Productions will present a workshop and industry presentation of Colin Ross Waterson and Ben Hartley original new British musical, A SECOND CHANCE. Learn more about the show!
Manhattan Theatre Club Will Bring EUREKA DAY to Broadway and VLADAMIR Off-Broadway Next Season

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced three shows that will open next season, including the Broadway premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends and Eureka Day, as well as the world premiere of Vladamir, which will open off-Broadway.
Bernadette Peters & Lea Salonga Will Lead STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS in LA and on Broadway

Center Theatre Group (CTG) announced the North American premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, and directed by Sir Matthew Bourne, playing at the Ahmanson Theatre from February 8—March 9, 2025. 
MARY POPPINS Will Embark on New UK and Ireland Tour in 2024

Direct from the West End, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney Theatrical Group have announced that MARY POPPINS will embark on a 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour.
Kate Prince Brings MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE to Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts

Danse Danse welcomes the international tour for Message In A Bottle, a production celebrating contemporary and street dance styles around the greatest hits of legendary singer Sting. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
STORIES, The Tap Dance Sensation Comes to the Peacock Theatre This October

Fresh from a sold-out European tour, France's Got Talent finalists, RB Dance Company, presents the UK premiere of its critically acclaimed, award-winning production Stories at Sadler's Wells' Peacock Theatre from Wednesday 23 October - Saturday 2 November 2024.
Video: Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, and the Cast of SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Take Final Bows

Sondheim's Old Friends played its final show in London at the Gielgud Theatre on 6 January. Led by Broadway Legends Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, watch the cast take their final bows in the video here!
Critics' Pick: Aliya Al-Hassan's Best Theatre of 2023

The pure joy of theatre is its ability to constantly renew and surprise. For me, 2023 saw a plethora of excellent musicals. Notoriously hard to get right, this year seemed to feature both clever revivals and future successes, many of which remained in my thoughts long after I left the theatre.
Review: THE WITCHES, National Theatre

I'm sure there will be more than a few sighs of relief down the corridors of the National Theatre at the deservedly raptuous reception for The Witches, the latest attempt to bring a hit show to the stage at this lucrative time of year. 'We're not women, we're hell' is not a line you would expect at a family show, but Lyndsey Turner's production combines exuberant fun, quick-witted comedy and a positive attitude towards death to produce an entralling, clever and incredibly funny production.
Will West End's OLD FRIENDS Transfer to Broadway?

Just last month, the company of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends celebrated its West End opening night at the Gielgud Theatre, where it is playing until 6 January 2024. Another opening night might be on the horizon, however...
SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS to Release 5,000 Tickets at £25 For Under 30s

Celebrate the success of 'Sondheim's Old Friends' with 5,000 discounted tickets for under 30s. Cameron Mackintosh supports young playwrights, composers, and lyricists with £25 tickets.
Listen to Lea Salonga Sing 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' in OLD FRIENDS

Lea Salonga recently visited 'The Michael Ball Show' to chat about her new role in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends. Listen to the interview and check out her performance of Gypsy's 'Everything's Coming Up Roses'.
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Company Takes Opening Night Bows

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends officially opened last night at the Gielgud Theatre, where it is playing until 6 January 2024. Check out photos of the company taking their opening night bows here!
Video: First Look at Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga & More in STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

Get a first look at footage of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends!
Photos: Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga & More in STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

Get a first look at Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, and the rest of the cast in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends in London. Check out these stunning photos from the highly anticipated production, giving fans a sneak peek of what to expect on stage.
Kate Prince's MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Set to the Music of Sting to Embark on North American Tour in 2024

Sadler’s Wells' production of Message In A Bottle, the acclaimed dance theatre show by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince, set to the music of 17-time Grammy Award-winning icon Sting, will embark on a major 10-stop North American tour in 2024. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Stephen Mear been in?

Stephen Mear has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Stephen Mear been in?

Stephen Mear has appeared on London's West End in 3 shows.

What was Stephen Mear's first West End show?

Stephen Mear's first West End show was Anything Goes which opened in 1989

What awards has Stephen Mear been nominated for?

Stephen Mear has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including: - Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Gypsy - Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate - Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Crazy For You - Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Sweet Charity - Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Hello, Dolly! - Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Sinatra at the London Palladium - Outstanding Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mary Poppins - Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Mary Poppins - Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Mary Poppins - Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Soul Train.

What awards has Stephen Mear won?

Best Theatre Choreographer at the Olivier Awards for Hello, Dolly!

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