New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth has announced Cbeebies star Becky Kitter as their new children’s patron to reinforce their commitment to youth theatre and education in the arts.
Originally from Portsmouth, Becky studied dance and drama at Portsmouth College and continued her studies at Middlesex University. With extensive experience in children’s theatre and television, Becky’s TV credits include Ma Ha Ha in The Ha Ha Haries for Cartoonito and Mrs Pufferbang in Grandpa in my Pocket for Cbeebies. Other credits include Baby Boomers devised with widely respected director John Wright, Alice In Wonderland and Snow Queen for Proteus Theatre Company, Flathampton with Royal & Derngate, Goldilocks at Polka, The Gruffalo with Tall Stories and The Three Sillies for The Arcola Theatre.
“I am honoured to be a patron of New Theatre Royal,” Becky comments. “I grew up in Portsmouth and my first visit to New Theatre Royal at the age of seven gave me my desire to become an actress. I wanted to perform on that stage and imagined people coming to watch my show; in fact I really wanted to live inside the theatre! I was inspired by New Theatre Royal to achieve my dream and now to say I am a patron of the theatre is the second best thing to having it as my house!”
Set to re-open in October 2015, part of the theatre’s vision for the future is to engage with younger audiences through a new and exciting programme of workshops while also working with schools and local communities to inspire creativity and a passion for the arts. Known for her contribution to children’s theatre and entertainment, Becky is the ideal candidate to help New Theatre Royal drive this vision forward.
Caroline Sharman, CEO of New Theatre Royal, said: “When we reopen later this year, New Theatre Royal will be a home for emerging theatre talent and an inspirational resource for children and young people interested in watching or being a part of live performance. We are delighted to announce Becky as our new patron; there couldn’t be a more passionate artist to champion our work with children. Just as we inspired Becky all those years ago to pursue her dream in the arts, we hope to do the same for many future generations to come.”
Talking about the influence of theatre on children, Becky comments: “Theatre is most important for younger audiences because it fires imagination, it inspires creativity and it can teach you things you can’t learn in a classroom. Also, in today’s digital world the theatre brings you back to what it is like being present in the moment and engaging with the current world around you. You can’t rewind, delete or upload theatre.”
Becky will be joining a host of other patrons at New Theatre Royal who have committed their time and support over the years to this important cultural hub, including model and actress Twiggy, actors Timothy West and Sheila Hancock CBE, and musician Paul Jones.