"To call him a mime artist is like calling Mozart a pianist"

Kate Bush has shared her tribute to the mime artist, choreographer and actor Lindsey Kemp, who died on Saturday aged 80 (August 25).

Kemp was famed for mentoring Bush after she saw his career-defining show Flowers in 1974. He also worked with David Bowie, who attended his classes at the age of 19.

Writing on her website, Bush said: “The world has lost a truly original and great artist of the stage. To call him a mime artist is like calling Mozart a pianist. He was very brave, very funny and above all, astonishingly inspirational. There was no-one quite like Lindsay.

“I was incredibly lucky to study with him, work with him and spend time with him. I loved him very much and will miss him dearly. Thank you, dear Lindsay.”

Kate Bush dedicated her 1978 song ‘Moving’ to Kemp. He also starred in her 1993 film The Line, The Cross and the Curve after she asked him to take part.

He also appeared in the films The Wicker Man and Velvet Goldmine.

Many figures from the world of music and entertainment also paid tribute to Kemp when news broke of his death.