He was my inspiration as a dancer in the 90’s, when I was studying contemporary dance and ballet. I thought I was relating to his performances on every level. Technically, intellectually,creatively, emotionally, but now as an older woman, his body of work resonates with me so much more due to painful life experiences. I’m now in awe of how vulnerable he was on that stage. How brave he was with the exposure of his soul. It’s like he opens a vein and shows the world his shade of red, and is ready and willing to accept any scrutiny or ridicule in the minute happenstance of collective empathy and acceptance. I wish I could do that. He was my inspiration. Does anyone read this????

I spent two years with Nigel at the Welsh College of Music and Drama- he as a 3rd year and me in the 2nd. I witnessed first hand his development under the mentoring of Tim Hext as an astonishing physical performer. He also ran extra dance classes in the mornings before the college sessions started and I attended these for his final year. I can honestly say I have never hurt so much in my life. Nor had I felt so alive. Subsequently, as a professional theatre director myself, I followed his career throughout the intervening years,wherever possible trying see his work live. I heard about his death just as I was about to go on stage in the York Mystery Plays in 2012- Joseph that night had no need to act tears. I will always remember his energy, passion and threadbare sweaters. Mad, Bad and Dangerous to know. A talent to make us all aware of our own limitations and how to exceed them.

Nigel was one of my best friends at school in Abergele, in fact thanks to Nigel I studied harder than I otherwise would have done.

We lost contact after school because I joined the RAF, but Nigel’s influence on me continued because my career involved a lot of study, but also because Nigel influenced my musical taste.

I will always regret not staying in touch, but will never forget my friend and his quick wit.

Bless you Nigel.

Steve

dear sweet nigel
you felt like a comradely spirit while i was chomping at the bit when we were students at LCDS. we had a laugh. we got closer when I left. you took me to see Taxi Zum Klo at Battersea Art Centre. and then we went our ways but we waved from the distance.
love you nigel

The most beautifully awkward creature to have ever danced.

You were 19, me a year younger. You put on a record that was unfamiliar. It was Sibelius. Sibelius for God’s sake!

Bless you Nigel, forever the iconoclast.

I saw Nigel perform with DV8 different times and it was wonderful, and then 3 solo shows which were extraordinary and inspirational and remain in my memory as if I’d seen them yesterday. And there was Stupid Men, and there were a couple of workshops which were let’s say challenging, one of which seemed to be hellbent on wrecking Chissenhale. And then I left the country. And there’s a very strong memory of the hyperactive unique motor-mouth camp-man-performer. May that memory never fade and always be a voice in my head spurring me on to take risks and never compromise my vision.

Ah Nigel,
what shall we do now? Said hello, you said hello back, got your foto and an autograph `love Nigel´ after a show in Munich, just for a laugh you know, (did you always carry these pics around?) and I took it home and put it away amused that I had `experienced´ you. Sometime later I came across your schoolkid picture again…. you black and white, grinning, sort of smartly taking the piss and all the time loveable, the kind of kid you want to sit next to in class. Chair is empty now, earthly life moving out and on, and on and on… Stay safe on your next journey Nigel.

Thank you Nigel….. for living purposefully, for rocking the Institution, for your courage, for your joy and laughter!

See you!

In 1993 I arrived to the UK ready to find a job with LCDT or Rambert…. a friend sat me down and showed me a video of a very strange dancer in a very strange work called “Strange Fish”……… My world turned upside down and never thought to perform the same way again. Thank you Nigel. Zx

I only just found out after returning from a holiday abroad that you had left us. I will go to watch Red Wolf. I watched so many of your performances, admired your ideas and choreography and watched over the years so many new performances inspired by your exciting and daring productions. Definitely greatly missed.

I want to say that there is no one like you Nigel. Your energy, so vital and utterly brilliant, is unforgettable.

I send my heartfelt thoughts to your family and friends.

Nigel,
I loved you from a far; it began with ‘Dead Dreams’. You gave yourself to us all and never asked for anything in return. The world of Dance owes you a debt of gratitude for changing its path forever. It won’t be the same without you in it but rest assured that we will continue to discuss you with future generations. Never forgotten.

gone but not forgotten

Dear Nigel!
Just discovered that you passed away.
Even if I wasn’t in contact with you the last years, you have been present in my heart, mind and body.
Thank you for the time I was privileged and lucky to share with you, for your intensity, courage, fearlessness, humour and inspiration.
Thank you for choosing me as a one of the eleven Viennese dancers for the project entitled ELEVEN in 1995. A piece about sexuality – I felt so free and vital on stage! You were a master in guiding this diverse group of dancers and challenging us with warmth, humour, clarity and calmness. Still having the N° 5 Chanel perfume, you gave us as a gift for the premiere.
Thank you for your openness and spontaneity. I send you a fax in 1996 asking you for support, being a mentor for one of my dance pieces – and you just came!
Thank you for being a part of my life. Your spirit will always be with me.
Love to you

Beautiful Nigel – Thank you! …for your l.o.v.e, strength, passion and freedom. Thank you for your dance!
We´re so lucky to be with you in 2008. We´d like to see you again – We hope! xxx

I think those of us that were around probably exprienced the same level of Acid burning intensity that Nigel created on stage both as a dancer/performer and a director.

For me the seering beauty of the Creative Edge was made manifest in his work.

I wrote this in the shock of the news of Nigel’s death and now rather late in the day am posting it here with my thoughts to Luke and Nigel’s family.

I’m speechless still, you have been the guiding light, the benchmark, the inspiration.

From One Dixon Road performed in Jerusalem- while drawing a big circle with his finger in the air Nigel says: ‘rubbish, shit, there is no now… all there is is this, there’s nothing else, it’s nothing, and what does this mean, nothing….It’s absolutely, totally, beautifully, divinely, amazingly meaningless, right, I’m glad we got that sorted now’

You are sorely missed.

I had photographed Nigel on numerous occasions while he was with DV8 and he was truly amazing. He was great to work with. I am shocked and deeply saddened by his death.

An absolute shock and very sad news.

I met Nigel for the first time when he lead a workshop for Hungarian dancers at SÍN in Budapest. Next year, he came back to create a piece for us, called Revolution. We think he was a Revolution itself. His wildness and sensibility, his vulnerability and truthfulness. He taught us many things and one thing for all, Love. I think, LOVE was his energy, and he passed it for us. Thank you Nigel!

In Yours Arms

In your arms I’m rocking, rocking,
hushaby
In your arms you’re rocking, rocking ,
lullaby
In your arms I am a boychild,
quieting,
In my arms you are a girlchild,
listening.
In your arms you hold me tightly
when I’m scared,
when my arms can hold you tightly,
I’m not scared
When you’re holding me, not even
death’s huge hushaby
can frighten me.
In your arms through death as dreaming
I will fall so
dreamingly.
Miklós Radnóti ( 1941)

Nigel has inspired me often with his performances and his teaching. Brilliant does not do him justice. He was, in a very real sense, an independent artist.

He showed me that dance could be joyful and funny and serious and emotional and talking and singing and light and totally committed.

In my early years as an artist I studied him and I copied him. He was one of the models of the artist I wanted to be. I still take my socks off in the manner that he did in one of his early solos.

I was very nervous when I met him earlier this year when I was co-hosting the BDE cabaret. I very tentatively asked him how he would like us to introduce his Ten Man show. He said

‘You can say what the fuck you like. You can tell ’em its a solo by Russell Maliphant for all I care’. Gold

Every one of Nigel’s performances I have seen has taken my breath away. A truly inspiring artist whose commitment, intellect, wit and physical presence create peak experiences for audiences. If there’s anything beyond life and death he is out there, leaping, flying with the brightest.

I first saw Nigel in Strange Fish when I was a student in Glasgow nearly 20 yrs ago and watched out for DV8 and his work since then. It blew me away. So fiercely alive, dark and cathartically honest, and true. I’m overwhelmed with sadness and a sense of unseasonable loss since opening the Guardian’s obituary page 20 mins ago – I assumed we’d still have his influence on and own pieces for a lot longer. And I’m so struck by the consistency in descriptions of those who knew him directly and through his work. A lesson in how to live your life fully and in how much and truth you can put into a performance…. Thank you.

Meeting and working with Nigel had a massive impact on me, as a person and as a performer. He gave us license to be outrageous. He freed us and inspired us and challenged us and pushed us and made us laugh and allowed us to make other people laugh and experience something and have fun. And he shoved a Christmas Tree down George’s trousers on the first day we met him. Thinking of Luke and all close friends and family x x x

I worked with Nigel on his solo shows in the 1990s – Hell Bent, Original Sin and Human Being. And what a human being Nigel was and what an extraordinary performer – funny, athletic, full of angst and full of grace. You, and your talent will be sorely missed.
Bridget

Legend.

I’m remembering a duet we danced way back in our early 20’s, fast, furious and fun….your inspiration will live on..

I worked on the press for Nigel’s solo shows during the 1990s and on subsequent shows for the Charnock Company. The poster from Human Being still hangs on my wall. And Nigel was an amazing human being and a performer of great talent – a truly dangerous, unsettling performer who was funny, full of energy, angst and grace. I am so sad that he is gone. It is far too soon. Many condolences to Nigel’s family and close friends.

nigel,
thanks for the immense inspiration you gave me as a dancer and choreographer.through the fact that dance looked “different” through your body + spirit, a whole generation (and the next….)could realize new dreams.
i wish you a fantastic inspired energetic trip full of peace,light and colours!see you,,,,
nica

Words are never enough at times like these, but thanks Nigel for all the brilliant, funny, grotesque, absurd and extraordinarily eloquent shows you sat on our laps. Five stars.

Nigel, you created a wonderful work for us – Lunatic. Yes, it was about you and your thoughts; those sleepless nights when you looked at the moon, listened to music and were inspired to create another incredible production. We were honoured to work with you – to share some of your energy and boundless enthusiasm. Thank you Nigel – thank you for being you.

Uncle Nigel.
What can I say, “awesome”

I did a workshop with Nigel at Dartington College of Arts in 1993 – it was the most influential and inspirational moment of my theatrical training. Physical Theatre became my passion and Nigel was my guide. His work informed my work and later he became an inspiration to my students as I shared what I had learnt from him with them. He has left an amazing legacy and I will forever be grateful and inspired. Thank you Nigel. x

So many indelible memories of Nigel’s work around the world, particularly in italy where I worked for years and where he is much admired. It just doesn’t seem possible that he won’t be making any more.
Up into the light, Nigel.

I first met Nigel Charnock at a dance summer school I was attending through Chapletown Dance Theatre (Leeds), where he was taking a workshop which I attended. It inspired me so much and was the first time I had experienced physical theatre. Not only his strength, stamina and unique teaching style but most importantly for me, he was able to do it with this fantastic humour which still influences me in my work today. I had the pleasure of also taking one of his classes when I was in training at The Northern School of Contemporary Dance. He will be sorely missed, and hope that his light will shine through my work to influence other people as he did me. Rest In Peace Nigel xxx

Classic Nigel: in a Q+A a couple of years ago he was asked, “When you are creating this work (solo), do you ever have anyone in to mentor/ act as an external eye” he looked a little nonplussed then said ” That would make it a duet, I am creating a solo!” Over the years I have amassed some great memories of Nigel and some wonderful ( and at times very gentle) put downs. He was a one off, unique, multi-talented, a Diva when he wanted to be but mostly exceptionally skilled, a laugh, thoughtful, a workaholic, full of contradiction at times in his work, but that’s what made it work, an inspiration to all who follow in is gigantic footsteps. You will be forever missed because you gave so much. I will still light the candle ;)

Deeply touched, we thank you for your beautiful and inspiring work. Our thoughts are close to Nigel’s family and friends.

Cant believe Nigel’s gone. I had the privilege of working with him in the 90s. I will remember his wonderful teaching espeically when he blind folded us all and asked us to dance. Truly amazing and inspirational and the reason why I carried on into a dance career.

Nigel was not someone I knew much about until he contacted me to find out if he could work with Gwilym Simcock on an improvised dance project. Both performers are brilliant improvisers, and Nigel had always dreamt of working with a great jazz musician at some stage. Gwilym accepted the challenge with his usual enthusiasm and the result was two performances at the Purcell Room at the 2010 London Jazz Festival. Right from the off the audience were enthralled at Nigel’s brilliance and his humour. Not only was Nigel an incredible dancer, he bubbled with ideas, with wit and with an extraordinary ability to communicate to an audience. At times I felt Gwilym found it hard to contain his laughter as Nigel moved around the piano, the under the piano, then onto the piano stool, around the stage and into the audience, even up the ladder into the sound booth. Nowhere was out of bounds for him. He made the music come alive in a way that led me to tell Gwilym after the show that I would never be able to listen to his music again without thinking of Nigel.
The last time I saw Nigel was earlier this year when he had cycled in icy conditions from south London to the 606 in Chelsea to see Gwilym play. He came to many gigs and always looked forward to working together again. We all had plans to develop another project, but sadly it was not to be. We will miss you.

Our Nigel,

We laughed so much through our two long interviews, at the Drill Hall in 2007 and The Cut, 2008. I have lived with your contradictory, infuriating, passionate, funny, provocative, bitchy, thoughtful, poetic, sexy words for the past five years, like a brother, poking and tickling. Repeatedly. A few:

‘ why I am doing improvisation is because I aim to make it alive as possible, in the moment, there, because for me that is what theatre particularly is about, it is that moment of liveness.’

‘I am an entertainer. I like to entertain people and make them laugh and move people and communicate with them and put myself out there as an entertainer. That is what I am doing. Most of the time I am not thinking I am making art. Or I am making something very worthy or political. I am there to entertain people – to stop them thinking about their fucking awful dreadful lives for a few minutes’.

‘With improvisation, its really hard work. And for me it’s a very subtle thing, its like tuning in a radio somewhere in Poland or something like that- ooh sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t. Its very delicate and fragile… its about being absolutely out of control and absolutely in control at the same time. And its that thing about being absolutely present and absolutely absent at the same time’.

‘ I once had an operation on my ankle and it is the first time I had a general anaesthetic in my life and it was like three or four hours of my life that were absent, completely missing. It must be like being dead or something and I just thought – it was amazing – wow that was good, that was good, can I do it again? Its lovely. Its brilliant. Ooh that was like you were dead, or you just weren’t, there was no you, no sense of you for a few seconds’.

‘The whole thing to me is an absolute joke – it is a total illusion, its like a performance and I am just playing around with everybody. And I am sorry and I really care about your mother who is dying and I really care about Iraq but actually I don’t because I know that it’s just not happening. That it is just being arising. It’s just arising’.

‘And it is something about standing out there, on my soap box, on my pulpit and saying these things and you know, years ago if people had asked me is there a message in your show or are you trying to get across something? I would say ‘Oh no, there is no message because there are no answers. Its just mainly making the audience think about things or giving them a choice or perspective or whatever. Now I say – absolutely there is a message, that is why I am getting up there and still doing it. Saying you are like this and you are like this and we are like this and actually its all a fucking joke… So stop it. Stop trying to make your life work, stop trying to… I just attack. I get so angry. I get angry. All religions, all religions – all faiths – terrible terrible terrible… Its all about separation’.

‘NC: Seeing for the first time Billie Whitelaw doing ‘Not I’ – Samuel Beckett – which is just a mouth. I was just crying. I cried watching this solo.
MD: When did you see it?
NC: It must have been 1990. 1989. It was just like – uugh- it was like an expression of everything that I was feeling or everything I had felt. Just the whole thing – it was just a mouth and just words and this torrent of words. I think it is something to do with this person who has not spoken for like 40 years and suddenly there is this outpouring, this burst of language and someone who can say anything they want. And I love the simplicity. The purity of it. it seemed to me a total expression of the human condition in life, in 20 minutes. An absolute expression of the meaning of life. I cried all the way through.’

Went to as many of his productions as I could reach – always inspiring, thought provoking, beautiful and intensely moving – they will always be important memories. A truly great and wonderful artist – thank you.

Thank you Nigel, for your passion, your energy, your maverick and indomitable spirit. Thank you for the moves you made, the freedom you allowed, the intensity you inspired. Thank you for Still, for never being still, for still being here in all our bodies minds and hearts.

Oh, Nigel. Our always beautiful boy. You lit a way and so many of us followed. The landscape is different from what is was before you walked it. And you did it all with such panache. Sorry you’ve gone.

Really saddened to hear the news of Nigel’s passing. It is hard to communicate how I feel except deep sadness. The only snippet I can share is to say thank you Nigel for your inspiration as a perfomer and wonderful human being. Thank you for your warmth, wit and sensitivity. Thanks also for being a fellow dancer in my formative years when we danced in Extemporary Dance Theatre. You will be missed.

Nigel has always been the ‘ I want to be like him when I grow up,’ artist. Thank you for the inspiration.

X.

I’ve been trying to muster the words I want to say for the past three days. I can only begin to try. Working with you on Still was the best! I marvelled at your vision, drive, energy, taste in music, humour and depth of light and dark. You gave me confidence and something truly wonderful to perform 52 times. The few weeks of 10 Men we did makes it all the more tragic. I’m just so sad.

Dear Nigel, keep dancing where you are. We love you

Thank you Nigel, the broader world of dance and theatre was opened up for many because of your ferocity, your fire, your daring, your refusal to conform, your passion, grit and provocation. A great legacy will continue to inspire, but for those closest to you our thoughts are with you at this sad time xx

I never met Nigel, just chanced across a bright trail of beyond belief shapes he made in his work and in his life that touched so many. Deepest condolences, love and strength to his nearest and dearest.

Goodbye, and thanks for all the (Strange) fish..

The work speaks for itself, and I will never forget the feeling of seeing something really important and truthful as a young dance student in the 1980’s. Condolences to your friends and family..

My greatest honour for an artist who lived his life fully for the dance.
Rest in peace.

I am deeply sad to hear this . I met Nigel in the 1990’s at The Third Eye Centre in Glasgow and knew Lloyd Newson too . Great memories of him and what a laugh ! I relished his performances MAGNIFIQUE . What a sad loss .My thoughts are with his family.

Now this is a huge disappointment. Nigel’s work and way have been so inspiring, so necessary in a world full of plastic and pretend. Thank you, sir, for cutting to the chase and insisting that those around you do the same. And for creating a place and means to do so. Your compassion, your tenderness in the midst of the chaos and honesty have been so compelling, so respectful. I hope you know how much you were loved, Nigel, and by how many. You live. Thank you.

we were working on a show together when Nigel had to withdraw owing to illness. Tonight I saw five beautiful, defiant performers move their bodies beautifully and defiantly, as Nigel had taught them, across the stage – his energy, wit, grace and subversion present, alive, vital.
how we miss him.

I remember first watching Nigel in Strange Fish during a Drama lesson at high school and being absolutely speechless. An inspirational performer. Such sad news. My thoughts are with your loved ones x

He was not only inspirational to people in the profession, but as a drama teacher I can truly say he inspired and excited so many, many of my students to create their own work. His fearlessness, wit and humour will be sorely missed.

I am very sad to hear this news of Nigel’s death. Too young. I hope the end came gently. I have always admired Nigel greatly, a brightly shining star and a compelling, generous presence in those early DV8 films.

Dear Nigel,
Along with many other dance students I have fond memories of watching Strange Fish on VHS many years ago having only just been introduced to physical theatre. I was utterly astounded that a piece of dance could stir so many emotions and say so much to the audience. And so my addiction began. Thank you for being brave enough to make the work you did and for having the balls to live the life you did while the rest of us were trying to catch up.
A true pioneer and a beacon of truth.
Hope you’re tearing up the floor wherever you are.

Memories… ‘Dead Dreams,’ for a start. A first, quiet and kitchen-set talk at a party. A long and misjudged show in Leicester (directed by but not starring, if memory serves) and a lift back to London with the company and Nigel himself at the wheel, I think – no one asking what I’d thought or felt, and me not foisting my reactions or opinions. But a more than polite and rather delightful ride. Some years later finding out in a post-show talk with Nigel (he’d been brilliant) that critics’ words, incl mine, sometimes induced tears. I loved him for that, for being that vulnerable and honest in public, but then those were among qualities that shone so in the work. I didn’t always connect with what Nigel made – you can’t love anybody’s everything – but by doG he took risks, pushed envelopes, prised open heads and ‘hearts.’

Just today I came across a bit from a Beckett poem in a book review and said to have been written in response to Petruchio’s line ‘Where is the life that late I led?’ from The Taming of the Shrew: there/ the life late led/ down there/ all done unsaid.

He burns brightly, in memory untamed…

A huge influence, a massive inspiration, an incredible performer and a wonderful person.

You did what you wanted and got away with it and for that I thank you enormously!

I feel so lucky to have met you. x

These words by Mike Hadreas are better than any I can muster. A great loss of a wonderful performer.

Boys that held him dear,
Do your weeping now,
All you loved of him lies here,
Do your weeping now.

Brought to earth the arrogant brow,
And the withering tongue,
Do your weeping now.

Sing whatever songs are sung,
Wind whatever wreath,
For a playmate perished young,
For a spirit who’s spent in death.

Boys that held him dear,
Do your weeping now,
All you loved of him lies here,
Do your weeping now.

Inspirational artist! Will leave traces in many places and people.

Mate. You were fucking brilliant.

Sadly missed.

x

I took part in some of Nigel’s movement classes when he worked very briefly as a temorary tutor at the Welsh College of Music & Drama one summer term about 1985/6. I still remember the excitement of getting up in the morning and knowing that we were going to attend his class. We all loved those classes including those of us who were not natural movers or dancers. Thank you Nigel for showing us that dance can be embraced by everyone. I’ll always remember your enthusiasm, your warmth and your fabulous choice of warm up music!

was privileged to commission Nigel’s ‘Hell Bent’ with much help from Sarah Trist and Hannah Curr at Ludus (though not un-problematic as Nigel broke his arm in devising) and followed Nigel’s career post Ludus through Lloyd Newson’s DV8 and onwards. Amazing creative talent and inspirational dancer who will be sorely missed …. far too young and to this evil disease

Nigel inspired me right from the moment I first saw the filmed version of strange fish and I was thankful to work with him last summer at Physical Fest. People say you should never meet your idols as you would be let down. Nigel surpassed my exceptions of him in so many ways. And in only the way he could. And I thank him for that and inspiring me to create my own work. This is such a huge loss and my thoughts are with his family and close friends now and always. Nigel this is goodbye for now…

Feel lucky to have briefly worked with Nigel and to be inspired by his incredible un stoppable energy, passion, humour and craziness. Totally inspiring, living life to the full and never losing the energy to ‘move’ amazingly. Will never forget, or stop using Nigel’s brilliant trademark ‘blindfold’ exercises! xxxxx Eli

I met Nigel two years ago.
What impressed and still inspires me is the very peculiar kind of freedom he had. He was a free man, but most of all a free dancer.
Never improvised as I did with him. A volcano. A hailstorm. A heart bleeding passion and love.
He hugged me after he saw my first solo, an event that I couldn’t expect and still makes me shiver.
Freedom, freedom, freedom is the biggest lesson.

After starting your career with Ludus Dance it was fabulous to have you back with us in 2010 to make PANDEMONIUM for our triple bill ‘Consequences’. And what a show it was – fast, furious, poignant and fun too. Our audiences loved it, we loved it and we loved working with you. Your energy, passion and commitment to making work for a young audience was inspiring. You will be hugely missed by all. Our thoughts and feelings go out to your loved ones.

I bet Nigel would simply laugh or smile and say that to die is not such a big deal…
This beautiful distance to himself and to life is what I’ve learned from him. For me he is still alive and is still one of the few real authorities in dance I had the luck of meeting. He’s been an inspiring and so wonderfully vital person, one that you’ll well remember for the rest of your life.

An inspiration to all those performers who wanted to be themselves.
Your honesty will be missed.
rest easy Nigel
xxx

We were touched by your energy,creativity and honesty, by your generous teaching and the poignant and moving performances you shared with all of us.Thankyou Nigel.
Your courage was enormous, and remains an inspiration.

we will miss you.
We extend love to all of Nigel’s family and friends.

A true original, whose work left afterimages that refuse to fade. He was one of those artists about whom future generations of dance students, dancers, audiences and critics will be saying: “I wish I’d seen Nigel Charnock.”

This is a massive loss to the dance community. Such an inspiring man who’s work was courageous and brave, and always executed with integrity. Gone too soon, much too soon.

Since hearing of his illness I have been quietly reflecting on the compellingly kinetic exuberance of Nigel’s performing, his quick mind and fierce vulnerability. I still remember and reproduce workshop moves learnt with him, arms flailing across the floor, full-bodied falling runs and sudden changes of weight and tempo. His choreography let me in and now we let him go to be at peace. Sending condolences to his circle of friends who have held him close through his last days.

devastating…Nigel, the kinetic genius of the universe has been dimmed with your absence. RIP.

After all you joined Facebook… I’m about to cry but fortunately you taught me how to laugh… I have not much to say now… Thank you! I’m glad to see, know and work with you! You will be missed but you’ll never be forgotten. The rest is silence… and loud music!

As we never meet in this life I was capptured by his energy and his warmnest and of coures amazing talent first time that I sow him performing at beginning of 80ties.He was true lider of new dance and physical thetare movement at that time and made a big impact on me and all my coleques in Croatia.

God bless you and rest in peace Mr Charnok!

what a fucking laugh he had and how he could break your heart. Happy travels Nigel and to all those that are left behind.

Just speechless over here in California. Such fire, honesty, beauty and commitment. Saw many solo shows in London many years ago, and each one managed to catch us just a little bit off balance. Thank you.

What a truly LOVELY, man and a truly huge loss at such a young age. Nigel has no doubt left a remarkable legacy behind. He had a huge impact on my training with MapDance this year, he was the biggest inspiration in the shortest amount of time that he came to work with us. The Charnock experience was full of messy jumps, fun dancing, and being wrapped in foil. His approach to creating work will remain with me as I begin my professional dance career. I feel very privileged to have met such a wonderful and intriguing personality.
Much love and comforting thoughts to his loved ones at this very sad time.

this man was the person who taught me that performance was more than i thought. he expanded my horizons, he broke the rules and he always performed with all his heart and soul and mind. if it wasn’t for him i would never have learnt the greatest lesson of all…to be fearless and to work like an athlete and tell stories with all the passion of a poet.
i am going to miss you

Dear Nigel
So sad. So many amazing moments – a beautiful & powerful performer. Witty & honest. Farewell.

Thank you Nigel for all that you taught us through your naked vulnerability and humour and irreverence and neurosis and wildness and for insisting that the personal is political. I sincerely salute your life and work. We need more like you. Many, many more.

Not now, not yet, such unexpected and deeply sad news. I thought and will always think of Nigel as an extraordinary creator and communicator.

Dearest Nigel

Hard to imagine that the incredible life force that was you has left us – so soon! Ever since early days touring with you in Ludus in the 80’s, team teaching workshops to 10 year olds in Leigh (how those kids adored you!), and your solo performances you’ve been a massive inspiration. Your passion, commitment, honesty, never settling from what you didn’t believe in – all these will continue to inspire me, and many others. Thank you for giving us so much, for making us laugh, and cry, and never letting us forget the vibrancy of life. So privileged to have known and worked with you… (will remember fondly your powerful singing too). Hugs to your loved ones, xx

My father, Kenneth took me to see you in DV8 in the 1980s. We were completely gobsmacked by the bravery and inventiveness of your performance. A pioneer, you will be missed.

You are in our hearts!

Nigel in Venice, Nigel in Milan, Nigel on the boat, Nigel on the bus, Nigel in heaven mocking the Gods.
Looking at you one thinks such an energy would never get to an end. But I can see you flying and gently dancing in a brilliant green field like the one painted on the back of your old company head paper. And sadly today I keep in myself the generosity of your body and the poetry of your soul.
Please Shine in Light and Love for ever.

I’m so shocked and sad. I was at Drama College in Cardiff with Nigel when we were both really young. We had some great laughs together and performed together at the Edinburgh Fringe. He was totally dedicated to his craft, an amazing performer and person. Love you Nigel.

Dear Nigel, in my experience of working with you I was struck by your care-your care for your work, your care for the dancers and the people you were working with. I learnt that care comes with passion- not carefulness- with daring and doing again and again. Thank you for this insight. My warmest thoughts are with your nearest.

Goodness.

Nigel I danced with you after an interview in a cafe. Heroine is so many years ago, but I still remember with great fondness. Such a kind and generous man, I trusted you implicitly and to dance with you was moving, challenging and exhilarating.

I feel very sad,

Many , many memories. A great loss.

Meeting you as a young artist and sitting alongside you in the Ludus collective was fun, exciting, challenging, inspirational, sometimes scary, but never dull. An extraordinary young man you never wasted time. Every moment was special in its own way, packed with curiosity, questioning and most importantly, living! Your disappointing tones often sit on my shoulder.
Your performance as the daughter in ‘Cut to Ribbons’ was radical, powerful, beautiful, angry and astonishing which captivated the imagination of thousands of young men and women in schools across the UK. Working with you again in 2010 warmed my heart in so many ways. PANDEMONIUM woke a new generation. Thank you for being you. I am privileged to have met, known and worked with you. XXX

Farewell Nigel!
Thank you that we had you in this world.You’ve got the artists back to the Art. You’ve saved their souls. You were changing people’s lives!
We know that you will not let us get along the way.

15 years ago I watched you open the eyes (and scare) the ‘twirlies’ in the theatre at uni. From that moment I knew that dance had appeared in my life as a tool for change. Thank you-a true genius, gone too soon x

thank you for your beautiful, brave performances, nigel, your teaching, your energy, your humour – you made a huge difference to me and many many others x

Strange Fish, you will be sorely missed.

Performances that were exhilarating, exceptional, sometimes excrutiating. An artist who was never ordinary, always uncompromising. Beautiful as a young man, extraordinary as an older one. A force of nature in British dance for thirty years. Many people in the world saw dance for the first time through Nigel and he worked with the British Council almost everywhere. Colleagues around the world are thinking about him today and reliving funny, moving and memorable moments.

Such a wonderful person. A fantastic performer, beautiful in every way.
Such a terrible loss.
Thankyou for your contribution to the dance and theatre world.

My thoughts of love to all those closest. Nigel was an inspiration to work with. To the lighthouse , with love from ann

I loved working with Nigel, I loved being with Nigel, a beautiful, beautiful man.

I cannot believe this man has passed away at the stupidly young age of 51… Nigel Charnock was an inspiration to me at college with his intimate, honest, open, challenging performance style and physical theatre which made everything else pale into insignificance…. I was privileged to do some open classes with him and boy this was the experience fantastic (and challenging and intimate!)… I love you Mr Charnock, may your passing be as graceful and full hearted as your time here on Earth :-(

Thank you Nigel for all the beauty; for amazing me as an audience member, exhausting me whilst workshopping and inspiring me as a performer. I am so sad to hear this dreadful news.
The world has lost a true artist.
XXXXX

All of us at The Place are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of such a great and remarkable artist. Nigel was an alumnus of our School and a familiar presence on our stage and in our studios. Nigel’s boundless energy, piercing honesty, sardonic wit, and fearless, no holds barred approach to performance were familiar trademarks of all his work; his ability to reach under the skin of the audience was unique; he was capable of provoking laughter and tears in equal measure, in a way that caught one by surprise. Those who knew Nigel off-stage couldn’t fail to be touched by his deep humanity, his passion for people, his modesty, generosity, and his love of music. Nigel will be sorely missed.

I was privileged to know Nigel and experience his work at first hand. His death is truly devastating – too soon, too young. He changed the face of dance and theatre and his influence will live on long after his death. A tragic day.

Such a phenomenal loss, he was in inspirational man who contributed so greatly to the arts world. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. May his legacy and memory live on and mould his mark in dance and theatre history.

Fearless passionate strong willed sexy athlete long legged stallion that took my breath away and always will

Dear Nigel,
Doing a classes and workshops with you was like opening myself to all the things you want to do and feel when you move…you filled myself and everyone in the room with excitement, laughter, joy, appreciation, possibilities, danger, lightheartedness and energy to name but a few. As a dancer you gave me the will to push myself into increasingly more outrageous and fabulous places. As a human being you gave me the overwhelming feeling of vibrant life.
Keep on moving whatever, wherever!

Dear Nigel,
I cannot believe what I’ve just learned thru facebook! I cannot believe we have lost you. But we didn’t: you will allways be in our hearts and souls.
I will never forget the magical moments that you offered us in Lisbon some years ago. It was such an honour to work with you and be around you, such a special human being.
You will never disappear.
Love You,
Diniz

Dear Nigel,

20 years ago, you and your incredible work turned my life into new directions.
Your powerful and humorous veracity stays unique.
Thank you forever for our constantly inspiring collaboration.
With a weeping heart my thoughts are with you, your family and friends.
Yours in love
Vera Firmbach

My thoughts go out to friends and family.
I enjoyed participating in two of his fantastic workshops (one with Gay Sweatshop) in the late 90s, and carry his amazing exercises with me through to today.
Always, always got the best out of people.
A truly incredible and inspirational artist.

Very sad to hear the news. His work will live on through those of us who lecture about contemporary dance and physical theatre. I am thankful for his wonderful reflections on performance as well as his dancing! Many condolences to his friends and family.

It was with deep deep sorrow that I read of Nigel’s untimely death; such a great and radical spirit and such an inspiration. Far too young to die. You will be sorely missed.

you were so inspiring, encouraging and a genius…thank you for your vision and artistry…thank you for being such a fine example of humility…thank you for leading the way for generations of male artists to celebrate their identities…RIP

Nigel- you leave such a huge hole, you’re a total inspiration; you made me want to forge a place for myself in dance. You will always be running, leaping, questioning, shouting, and singing around in my mind and heart.

Remembered as irreverant, funny and a hell of a mover. Sorry to hear this news,

He was a great inspiration watching his work in DV8 during my studies. Such loss is indescribable…

As a student and then as an emergent artist, the critical vitality of Nigel Charnock greatly influenced what I thought performance and art may be possible of. I will remain indebted and grateful that I was witness to him and am grieved that the future may not allow for direct encounters with his extraordinary energy, wit and skill. However, his legacy shall of course remain in those who experienced or witnessed his creative drive and works.

From the thrill of first seeing you in DV8’s “Dead Dreams” to watching Louise Lecavalier performing your choreography earlier this year…. your presence has been uncompromising and inspirational. I am shocked and saddened by the news of your passing. May we continue to be inspired…

I was so deeply sadden to hear the news of Nigel Charnock’s death, he was a true veteran and pioneer of dance, such daring performances and energy.  I have fond memories of his work particularly his time with DV8,  during my studies. May his legacy live on through his inspirational work.

Gone to Soon

I had the pleasure of being in the studio with Nigel at the start of my career and I don’t think I have ever met anyone since, that had the same ferocious energy and vitality. A very special man who pushed the art form and his body to the limits. You will be greatly missed Nigel xx

My most recent memory of Nigel – an inspiring performance with Gwilym Simcock at the Purcell Room, it brought generous life to the whole space and for me reanimated the idea of improvisation as performance. With deep gratitude for your spark and persistent questioning of rules.

I had the privilage to work with Nigel around christmas time with mapdance, he is an inspiration to everyone, full of light and fun. My experience of working with him and dancing his choreography will never be forgotten. Such sad news.

Our world of dance is broken hearted. Nigel, your work made me laugh and cry, cringe and explode with joy. Never forgotten.

I was fortunate enough to see Nigel Charnock work with fellow students
at the Laban CAT. He radiated energy and passion and inspired all of us to be braver..
Thank you

Shocked by this huge loss. An amazing, fearless, daring performer/choreographer and a lovely, lovely man…

So sad, so shocked. I feel that I have grown up alongside Nigel, and have always been completely impressed and delighted at his work, looking forward to the next part of his creative genius ! what a loss to British Dance. x