Stephen Leonard Mear (born 1964) 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 The London Studio Centre, in North Finchley, London, is a British dance and theatre school providing courses in classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz dance, and musical theatre. It is accredited by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical ...

. In 2005 he and co-choreographer Sir

Matthew Bourne Sir Matthew Christopher Bourne (born 13 January 1960) is an English choreographer whose work includes contemporary dance and dance theatre. Choreographer In 2007, Bourne contemplated a gay version of ''Romeo and Juliet''. Despite the succ ...

won the Laurence Olivier Award for '' Best Choreography'', for their work on the new West End musical ''

Mary Poppins It may refer to: * ''Mary Poppins'' (book series), the original 1934–1988 children's fantasy novels that introduced the character. * Mary Poppins (character), the nanny with magical powers. * ''Mary Poppins'' (film), a 1964 Disney film sta ...

,'' 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 Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...

in 2006, being nominated for the

Tony Award The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ce ...

for '' Best Choreography'' in 2007. Mear choreographed the Broadway musical of Disney's ''

The Little Mermaid "The Little Mermaid" ( da, Den lille havfrue) is a literary fairy tale written by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows the journey of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea as a mermaid to gain a ...

'' (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 Carl may refer to: *Carl, Georgia, city in USA *Carl, West Virginia, an unincorporated community *Carl (name), includes info about the name, variations of the name, and a list of people with the name *Carl², a TV series * "Carl", an episode of tel ...

, an award voted for by leading dance organisations in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

. 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 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is an open-air theatre in Regent's Park in central London. The theatre Established in 1932, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the largest theatres in London (1,256 seats) and is situated in Queen Mary� ...

, he was also a choreographer for '' So You Think You Can Dance (UK)'', in the category

broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...

. 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 Goldfrapp are an English electronic music duo from London, formed in 1999. The duo consists of Alison Goldfrapp (vocals, synthesiser) and Will Gregory (synthesiser). Despite favourable reviews and a short-listing for the Mercury Prize, their ...

. "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 The Q Awards were the UK's annual music awards run by the music magazine '' Q''. Since they began in 1990, the Q Awards became one of Britain's biggest and best publicised music awards. Locations for the awards ceremony included Abbey Road Studio ...

) 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 The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established ...

(CBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to dance.

References

External links

* * 1964 births Living people English choreographers English male dancers Helpmann Award winners Laurence Olivier Award winners Commanders of the Order of the British Empire {{dance-bio-stub