Lord Michael Cashman, one of the co-founders of Stonewall, the national equality charity and leading LGBT+ equality rights advocate, has been named as the newest patron of the Omnibus Theatre.
HE joins the multi award-winning independent theatre in Clapham, South London as its sixth high-profile patron from across the arts and theatre community.
Omnibus Theatre is a Shortlisted Fringe Theatre of the Year 2019 – The Stage, A recipient of the Peter Brook/Royal Court Theatre Support Award 2016 and Offie winner 2018.
Lord Cashman said: “I’ve had a long association with Clapham and what I find about Omnibus Theatre is that it’s an exciting and vibrant venue that not only embraces local audiences but also artists and creative communities. It reaches out from its history right the way to now and the future, to its celebration of diversity, inclusive programming and challenging theatre.”
“It’s important for us to remember that it is also LGBT+ history month and therefore the work being done at Omnibus Theatre also connects up on a national level and it’s become a very important focal point for the South West and wider.”
Artistic Director Marie McCarthy added: “I am so thrilled Michael has agreed to be our patron. His long association with Clapham, his brilliant advocacy work involving LGBT+ equality rights makes him a great asset to our organisation and addition to our brilliant line-up of patrons. We look forward to working with him and particularly his participation heading up this year’s 96 Festival launch panel event.”
Lord Cashman joins fellow Omnibus Theatre’s patrons Dame Judi Dench, Sir Michael Gambon, The Old Vic’s Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, director Richard Eyre and Maggi Hambling CBE.
Since launching in 2013 as an independent theatre in Clapham, South London, the non-core funded venue has gone on to produce six critically acclaimed productions including Woyzeck (2013), Macbeth (2014), Colour (2015), Mule (2016), Spring Offensive (2017) and Zeraffa Giraffa (2017) and hosted over 2,513 performances and events.
Omnibus Theatre was also shortlisted by The Stage for Fringe Theatre of the Year 2019.
The 96 Festival, now in its second year takes place from February 20 to March 31. This year, a glittering line-up of artists will set up camp at Omnibus Theatre for a spectacular no holds barred extravaganza of cabaret, drag, burlesque, theatre, music, art and activism.
96 Festival was conceived in remembrance and celebration of the iconic Pride party on Clapham Common in 1996 with a special opening night launch event taking place on February 19.
For a full lineup of listings and events, click here:
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