Sarah Lancashire To Be Dukes New Patron

Popular actress Sarah Lancashire will visit Lancaster’s Dukes theatre this Friday when she’s appointed its first Honorary Patron.

Sarah, who rose to national television fame as Coronation Street barmaid Raquel in the 1990s, has been seen most recently in Last Tango In Halifax for which she has been nominated for a BAFTA Television Award this year.

She has appeared on the West End stage as well as in many popular television dramas including Where The Heart Is, Clocking Off, Rose and Maloney and The Paradise. Recently she has been filming for a new BBC drama, Happy Valley which starts next week.

Sarah will be a special guest at a Charity Gala Performance of The Life And Times Of Mitchell & Kenyon when her appointment will be officially announced.

Ahead of her visit, The Dukes Director, Joe Sumsion said: “I am delighted and thrilled that Sarah has agreed to become the first Honorary Patron of The Dukes. It’s an exciting role and a challenge that I am confident she will be wonderful in fulfilling.

“The Dukes is the only professional producing theatre within a 50 mile radius and Sarah recognises the importance of our ambition in creating new theatre, especially as its work has such a strong ‘local’ resonance for people in the county.  She has pledged to help in any way that she can to make sure The Dukes remains a beacon of creative excellence in Lancashire.”

As The Dukes Honorary Patron, Sarah will be an ambassador for the theatre and attend special events like the Gala Night, a fundraiser for The Dukes which is a registered charity.

Tickets are still available for this evening of Edwardian elegance and entertainment on April 25 when the theatre takes on a distinct music hall feel.

As well as seeing the premiere production of a play about filmmaking pioneers, Mitchell & Kenyon, guests will also enjoy entertainment before and after the show plus fizz and nibbles.

For tickets priced £30 call The Dukes Box Office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org

Ends

Photographs from the Gala Night will be available after the event. For further information please contact Louise Bryning on 01524 598509 

Editor’s Notes

The Dukes is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The Dukes receives regular funding from Arts Council England, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council.

The Dukes is the winner of the Lancashire Tourism Cultural Venue/Organisation Award 2013.