Andy Brentnall

Andy first saw Rambert in 1977 in a performance of ‘Cruel Garden’ (Bruce/Kemp, 1977) at the Roundhouse in London. In this interview, he traces the story of Rambert since the 1970s through the performances and events from a supporter’s perspective. Andy discusses the stylistic changes that have shaped Rambert and recalls events such as the reopening of Sadler’s Wells in 1998 and the Marie Rambert Memorial Gala in 1993 which was attended by Diana, Princess of Wales and Audrey Hepburn. Andy remembers and describes some of the key works he has seen the Company perform over the years including ‘Pierrot Lunaire’ (Tetley, 1962/1967), ‘Swansong’ (Bruce, 1987/1995), ‘Ghost Dances’ (Bruce, 1981) and ‘The Tempest’ (Tetley, 1979). Membership of Rambert gives a supporter the opportunity to see the Company behind the scenes – Andy explains how seeing the dancers in class and in rehearsal has strengthened his appreciation of dancers and deepened his connection with Rambert.

00:09:20 ‘Pierrot Lunaire’ (Tetley, 1962/1967)
00:10:43 ‘The Tempest’ (Tetley, 1979)
00:12:26 Big Top Season at Battersea Park
00:14:41 Relaunch Tour 1994
00:16:10 ‘Swansong’ (Bruce, 1987/1995)
00:19:35 Amy Hollingsworth
00:21:20 Marie Rambert Memorial Gala
00:22:59 Mark Baldwin
00:29:31 New Movement Collective
00:31:07 The Event (Merce Cunningham)
00:35:20 Chiswick Studios

Interview recorded on 4 May 2017 in East Sussex.
Interviewer: Claire Izzard; Filmmaker: Paul Izzard

The Rambert Voices oral history project is part of Rambert at 90, a project marking the company’s 90th anniversary, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.