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Lindsay Kemp

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description Lindsay Kemp Overview

Lindsay Kemp was a British dancer, actor, mime artist, choreographer, and teacher known for visually theatrical productions that combined movement, makeup, music, and elements of cabaret. His stage work included Flowers, an adaptation inspired by Jean Genet's novel Our Lady of the Flowers. Kemp also taught and collaborated with younger performers, and his influence is frequently discussed in connection with the early stage development of David Bowie and Kate Bush.

help Lindsay Kemp FAQ

Who were the famous musicians mentored by Lindsay Kemp?

Lindsay Kemp was a highly influential dancer and mime who famously mentored both David Bowie and Kate Bush early in their careers. Bowie studied Kemp's avant-garde theatrical style and mime techniques in the late 1960s, which heavily influenced his stage personas.

What was Lindsay Kemp's most famous stage production?

His most celebrated theatrical work was "Flowers," a surreal and dark pantomime based on Jean Genet's "Our Lady of the Flowers," which premiered in 1974. The show became an underground hit and toured internationally for years.

Did Lindsay Kemp appear in any films?

Yes, beyond his stage work, he had roles in several notable films, including Derek Jarman's "Jubilee" (1978) and "Sebastiane" (1976). He also famously appeared in the dance sequence in the opening of Bowie's music video for "John, I'm Only Dancing."

What characterized Lindsay Kemp's performance style?

Kemp's style was a visually striking blend of traditional Japanese kabuki, classic French mime, and gothic camp. His performances were known for their elaborate makeup, expressive physicality, and deeply emotive, often gender-fluid storytelling.