Stratford East dress circle renamed following £200k donation

Theatre Royal Stratford East has named its dress circle in honour of a former patron, after receiving a donation in her memory totalling £200,000.

Sahara Care Charitable Trust, which was set up in memory of Jean Brown after her death, has pledged £50,000 to the theatre each year for the next four years.

The theatre’s artistic director, Kerry Michael, said he was “hugely grateful” for the donation, and added: “Jean was a regular face at the theatre and one of our great supporters, so it’s fitting that we name the dress circle in her memory. It will make a huge difference and allow us to continue to bring quality theatre to the people of Newham and east London.”

Terence Brown, Jean’s husband and chair of the trust, said the theatre was “an important part of Jean’s life”.

He continued: “I do hope our donation will go some way towards helping the theatre continue its outstanding work and contribution to the people of east London, because I know that is what Jean would want.”