Kevin honoured with MBE
17 June 2025Last week, our Co-Artistic Director, Kevin Edward Turner, travelled to London for a special visit to Buckingham Palace, where he received an MBE for his services to dance and mental health.
In this Q&A, Kev talks about the experience and shares how he hopes his story can support others in the face of adversity.
1) Hi Kev, you first heard you’d been awarded an MBE as part of the New Year’s honours list announcement, what was it like when you first heard the news?
It was a big surprise when I first found out, a bit of a shock but a lovely one. I never thought it would be something that I would be awarded. I found out in my kitchen when my wife passed me the letter, I was really surprised, but it did feel great to be recognised for my work.
2) Your MBE is for services to dance and mental health, tell us why this area of work matters to you.
I have to manage my own serious mental health conditions, so I know first-hand how in my own dance practice, how incredibly important physicality and creativity are to your mental health.
Over the past decade, the value of creative health has gained increasing recognition. Company Chameleon has been at the forefront of this and have developed and delivered all sorts of creative health projects with a dance for health and wellbeing focus.
Through these projects, and working with all types of individuals and communities, I’ve seen how engaging in dance and movement can immensely impact people’s lives and how it can positively change your perspective on life.
It continues to do this for me, and everyone I work with, and this is why it is so important to me.
3) What was it like going to Buckingham Palace to receive your MBE? Tell us about the experience.
Going into the palace was a surreal experience, as you’d expect it is beautiful inside with wonderfully rich furnishings and art everywhere.
The day itself ran to a tight schedule, the process was efficient, warm and friendly. His Majesty The King was charming, complimentary and seemed really engaged and impressed by the work we do at Chameleon. He was very well briefed and knew details about me and the company. It was a special day, and I created some really lovely memories with my family.
4) Why do you think it is important people are recognised in this way?
I think it’s always useful for the nation to recognise individuals who do exceptional work for themselves, their communities and their country. It creates a moment for everyone to reflect and see the wonderful diversity of talent, excellence and backgrounds that make the UK great!
5) Is there anything else you’d like to add about this achievement?
I could not have received this award if it was not for the support of my incredible wife and my wonderful family who never lost faith in me, even when I had lost faith in myself.
When I was at my most unwell with my various mental health conditions, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be doing the work I do now and receiving recognition from the nation!
I hope people hear my story and see that no matter how challenging things are, no matter how bleak it is, no matter the depth of despair, there is always hope and a pathway for things to get better. If I can do it, I know that others can too.
Congratulations Kev on your achievement from everyone in the Company Chameleon team!
Below, we share the trailer for Witness, Kevin’s powerful theatre production created in 2017 after his return to work following a period of mental health illness.
The dance performance delves into his personal experience of bipolar disorder and its impact on himself, his family, and those closest to him.