Orange Tree Theatre announces new ambassadors

Orange Tree Theatre has announced fourteen new ambassadors from the world of theatre and the arts.

They include director Michael Attenborough, actress Samantha Bond and actor Gyles Brandreth.

Attenborough’s parents, Lord and Lady Attenborough, were the Orange Tree’s first patrons and played a key part in securing the funding for the theatre in Richmond.

Artistic director Paul Miller said: "It means a great deal to all of us at Orange Tree… that Michael is continuing his parents’ outstanding legacy as an ambassador helping to secure the theatre’s future for the next generation."

Bond and husband Alexander Hanson said they were "thrilled to lend [their] support to this very special theatre." Brandreth and his wife Michele showed particular support for the theatre's Shakespeare productions for young people.

Other ambassadors announced today include Judith Coke, Peter Davison, Elizabeth Heery, Philip Glenister, Beth Goddard, Susan Kramer, Sally Phillips, Paulette Randall and Fionn Whitehead.

The next production to open at the Orange Tree is a revival of Caryl Churchill's Blue Heart, which will open on 18 October.