Sadler’s Wells staging show to celebrate Jonathan Ollivier

It has been announced that New Adventures and Re:Bourne will present an evening of dance to celebrate the life of Jonathan Ollivier, who died tragically earlier this year before the final performance of The Car Man at Sadler’s Wells.

MR WONDERFUL – A CELEBRATION OF JONATHAN OLLIVIER’S LIFE IN DANCE will take place on 18th January 2016 at 7.30PM at Sadler’s Wells. 

Matthew Bourne said today “Following the tragic events of the summer many colleagues and friends from across the dance industry expressed to us a desire to come together and celebrate Jonny's life and also to provide some ongoing support to his young family. I'm thrilled that so many wonderful artists will come together in January to remember and celebrate Jonny's career through a programme of exceptional dance”.

Jonathan Ollivier killed in motorcycle accident

Performer Jonathan Ollivier has been killed in a motorcycle accident.

Ollivier was starring as Luca in Matthew Bourne's The Car Man. Tonight's final performance (9th August 2015) of the production at Sadler's Wells was cancelled following the tragic accident.

Writing on Facebook, Ollivier's sister Rachel Ollivier said: "To all my beautiful little bro friends, it is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that Jon tragically died today. We love him and will miss him massively."

Writing on Twitter, Ollivier's co-star in The Car Man Zizi Strallen said: "Thank you for being the most amazing partner Jonny. You've inspired so many people to do what they love. You will be missed everyday."

Marcelo Gomes to guest star in Matthew Bourne's The Car Man

New Adventures have announced that international ballet superstar Marcelo Gomes will guest star as ‘Luca’, the title role in the The Car Man during its summer season at Sadler’s Wells between 14th July and 9th August 2015. 

Gomes will alternate the role with the previously announced Jonathan Ollivier and Chris Trenfield; all three dancers worked together last year, sharing the role of ‘The Swan’ when Gomes made his debut with New Adventures in the Tokyo Season of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Full Sadler’s Wells casting schedule will be announced shortly.

Matthew Bourne said: "It is our great pleasure to welcome back Marcelo to New Adventures after his sensational debut as ‘The Swan’ last year in Tokyo. Working alongside Marcelo was an inspiring experience for our dancers, but it was his desire to grow as a dancer and transform himself into this role that so impressed me.