Stephen Mear Headshot

Stephen Mear

Get Stephen Mear Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Stephen Mear 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

Stephen Mear Photos

Stephen Mear STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
London Production, 1993
Wyatt

[West End]
London Revival, 1992
Performer

[West End]
London Production, 1989
Ensemble

Stephen Mear Productions

 
[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

Stephen Mear Videos

Stephen Mear News


Photos: First Look at 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. 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. 

Photos: Inside Rehearsals for STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

The old friends of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends are getting ready for the West End! Performances begin 21 September at the Gielgud Theatre, where it will run through 6 January 2024. Check out photos from inside rehearsals here!

Clare Burt Replaces Haydn Gwynne in STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

Clare Burt will join the company of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre when the show begins performances on 21 September. Learn more about Clare and find out how to get tickets here!

Review Roundup: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Opens at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

See what the critics are saying about La Cage aux Folles at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Extends at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Due to popular demand, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has announced an extra week for its new production of La Cage aux Folles, with 8 added performances from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 September 2023.

Review: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Well what a show for Artistic Director Tim Sheader to bow out on. Since 2007, Sheader has made Regent's Park Open Air Theatre a real theatrical destination and his revival of musical La Cage Aux Folles is gloriously frothy, deeply funny and completely fabulous.

Photos: First Look at LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

All new photos have been released from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, now playing at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. The musical features a book by Harvey Fierstein, with Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman, based on the play by Jean Poiret.

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

La Cage Aux Folles runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 29 July to 16 September 2023. Check out all new rehearsal photos here!

Video: First Look at Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, and More in a New Trailer For STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS

An all new trailer has been released for Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, which will run at the Gielgud Theatre in London for 16 weeks only from 16 September 2023 – 6 January 2024. 

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Reveals Cast For LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has announced full cast and creative team for their forthcoming production of the show-stopping classic musical La Cage aux Folles (29 July – 16 September, press night 8 August 2023).

Gavin Lee, Bradley Jaden, and More Join STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS at the Gielgud Theatre

Full casting has been announced for Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre. Learn more about who is joining the cast here!

National Theatre Will Present Roald Dahl's THE WITCHES From Dave Malloy and More

The National Theatre has announced two new productions, Roald Dahl's The Witches, in a co-production with the Roald Dahl Story Company, and The Effect, in association with The Jamie Lloyd Company.

STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Featuring Bernadette Peters, Michael Ball & More to Release Live Album

The star-studded Sondheim's Old Friends concert will release a live album! 

Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga Will Lead STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS in the West End

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends will transfer to the West End for 16 weeks only beginning in September! The star-studded cast will be led by Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga.

Danse Danse Presents MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, Based on the Music of Sting Next Year

Danse Danse reveals a highlight of its 2023–2024 season: Message In A Bottle, a spectacular production celebrating contemporary and street dance styles, with a soundtrack of hits by renowned singer–songwriter Sting. A performance event by choreographer Kate Prince, featuring the dancers of ZooNation, on stage March 12 to 16, 2024 at Place des Arts.

Winners Announced For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Sydney Awards

The winners have been announced for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Sydney Awards, honoring the best in regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022

STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Broadcast Date and Time Confirmed

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends will be broadcast on BBC Two on 31 December at 5.35pm and then available on the BBC iPlayer. Performances will include Bernadette Peters singing 'Losing My Mind' from Follies and Imelda Staunton singing 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' from Gypsy.

Review: 42ND STREET at Châtelet

After two postponements, the revival of the 2016 Châtelet production of 42nd Street is finally on till January 15th, with a brand-new cast but the same creative team as the original. Stephen Mear had already directed and choreographed the piece for the Parisian public six years ago. In the meantime opened a London revival of the first Broadway version with the original staging and choreography of the late Gower Champion, brilliantly enhanced by Randy Skinner, which took the work to another level of spectacular, so grand was the scale of the production value and money spent! That particular once-in-a lifetime and never-to-be-seen-again production was luckily preserved on video for posterity, but it doesn't take away from the qualities of this more intimate Châtelet version.

VIDEO: Watch Bernadette Peters, Judi Dench, and More in SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Concert Trailer

Watch the trailer for the New Year's Eve BBC and iPlayer broadcast of the star-studded SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS concert starring Bernadette Peters, Judi Dench, Michael Ball, and many more.

Stephen Mear FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stephen Mear has not appeared on Broadway.

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

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

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 , Outstanding Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mary Poppins , Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Mary Poppins Outstanding Choreograph (Drama Desk Awards) for Mary Poppins and Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Soul Train .

Stephen Mear has won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for his work on the Broadway show Hello, Dolly!.

Get Stephen Mear Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You