Lloyd Newson has led DV8 Physical Theatre since its inception in 1985. His work straddles dance, text, theater and film, focusing on social, psychological and political issues. Born in Australia, Newson graduated from Melbourne University having studied psychology and social work. During that time, he developed an interest in dance, a fascination that brought him to the UK where he gained a full scholarship to study at London Contemporary Dance School. Before forming his own company (DV8) he danced and/or choreographed with many companies including the Modern Dance Ensemble (Melbourne), Impulse Dance Theatre/New Zealand Ballet Company, One Extra Dance Theatre (Sydney) and Extemporary Dance Theatre (London). Newson’s work, be it for stage or film, has won 55 national and international awards. He has been cited by the Critics’ Circle as being one of the hundred most influential artists working in Britain during the last hundred years. Newson was awarded an honorary degree from Roehampton University and in 2013 received an OBE from Her Majesty the Queen for services to contemporary dance.