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Director shows art of success with honorary award

20/09/2018
Director shows art of success with honorary award

An award winning artistic director has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton for his services to the theatre and disability.

Kinny Gardner, artistic director of the Krazy Kat Theatre Company and development advisor to the BBC’s CBeebies, has been awarded a Doctor of Arts, in recognition of his achievements.

Kinny is from Leith, Scotland, and is hard of hearing.  He studied classical ballet at The Martha Graham School with the influential dancer.  His extensive West End credits include Godspell, The Rocky Horror Show, The Mousetrap and Chicago. 

Kinny is a principal guest solo artist with The Lindsay Kemp Company with which he has toured the world in Flowers, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Big Parade, Cinderella and The Last Dance of Elizabeth the First.

He retains the honour of being the only person permitted to re-create a Kemp company work outside of Lindsay Kemp’s own, re-staging Variete for Youth Music Theatre UK. 

His awards include BBC Community Hero Award, British Citizens Award and the British Empire Medal for services to theatre and disability (Queen’s Birthday Honours List).

Kinny said: “"Receiving a doctorate from the prestigious University of Wolverhampton marks a milestone in my life that I once thought unreachable.

“It is an honour not only for me, but for all others who strive to keep the arts in the UK alive."

Honorary awards are presented by the University of Wolverhampton to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.

The University’s graduation ceremonies take place at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, from Thursday 13th September to Friday 21st September 2018.

For information about courses to study at the University visit the website.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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