ATG’s Howard Panter knighted in Queen’s birthday honours

Panter, who said he was “absolutely delighted” and “humbled” to have been recognised, is one of several theatre names on this year’s list.

Other recognised include actor Rowan Atkinson, recently seen in the West End in Quartermaine’s Terms, who receives a CBE, and outgoing Almeida artistic director Michael Attenborough, who is appointed the same honour.

Actors Claire Bloom and Julian Glover are also given CBEs, for services to drama, as is National Theatre chief executive Nick Starr, who has worked alongside artistic director Sir Nicholas Hytner at the South Bank venue since 2003.

Pioneering physical theatre company DV8’s founder Lloyd Newsom is appointed an OBE while theatre school founder Anna Scher and actor David Haig both receive MBEs.

Howard Panter said of his knighthood: “I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours Llst and humbled to receive this prestigious award. It a source of great pride that Britain continues to recognise those within our world-renowned creative industries, and in particular in theatre.

“I also believe the honour is in part a recognition of a great British success story, ATG. I would like to thank the incredible people that have worked alongside me, mentored and inspired me throughout my career. I reserve special gratitude to my wife and partner in all that I do, Rosemary Squire, without whom much of what has been achieved would not have been possible.”