The Stage

Plowright becomes honorary president of English Stage Company

Published Thursday 5 March 2009 at 17:55 by Alistair Smith

Dame Joan Plowright has been appointed honorary president of the Royal Court Theatre’s governing body, the English Stage Company.

Plowright, who is the widow of Laurence Olivier, was previously vice-president of the ESC and succeeds Sir John Mortimer, who died in January.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to take on the presidency of the English Stage Company. I am only sorry that it comes in such sad circumstances, following the passing of John Mortimer. He had all the qualities that a theatre could wish for in its president and I hope I can follow in his footsteps. I was there on the very first day the English Stage Company at the Royal Court opened its doors in 1956 and I have felt the magic of the place ever since.”