Julie Walters to replace Alan Bates as Actors Centre patron

Published Tuesday 12 April 2005 at 12:55 by Ruth Gillespie

The Actors Centre in Covent Garden has announced that Julie Walters, who returned to the stage this year in Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques - The Musical!, is to replace the late Alan Bates as its patron.

Walters will be expected to raise the profile of both the centre and its venue, the Tristan Bates Theatre, as the organisation launches a fundraising drive to finance a new media studio dedicated to the late John Thaw.

“I am delighted and flattered to be asked to become the new patron of the Actors Centre, particularly following in the footsteps of Alan Bates,” said Walters. “The work of the centre, a unique organisation making a very important contribution to working actors and the industry in general, provides a vital space in London where actors can take part in all the dynamic and innovative work it does.”

With more than 2,500 members, the Actors Centre offers five rehearsal rooms and runs workshops and classes throughout the year led by leading actors and directors at the forefront of the film, television and theatre industries. Former patrons include Laurence Olivier and Alec Guinness.