Emma Thompson becomes patron of Graeae

Emma Thompson has been appointed as a new patron of Graeae Theatre Company.

The actor and screenwriter joins Peter Blake, Harriet Walter and Jack Thorne among other existing patrons of the company, which champions the work of Deaf and disabled artists.

Thompson said: “I have entirely selfish reasons for becoming a patron of Graeae. Their shows are so inspiring and imaginative that I come to nick their ideas. Seriously… I’ve just put one of their staging notions in the last play I saw into a film. Don’t tell them. Put simply, Graeae rocks. It’s a thrilling theatre company, peopled by thrilling folk. It is why I agreed to become a Graeae patron.’

Graeae’s artistic director Jenny Sealey said Thompson’s “charisma, wit and enthusiasm, combined with her passion for equality and diversity” would make her “a wonderful addition to our cohort of patrons”.

Graeae appoints Nickie Miles-Wildin as new associate director