Local woman Bronagh Gallagher, one of Northern Ireland's most famous actresses, has just agreed to become The Playhouse's first Patron.
The award-winning Playhouse, which is the largest arts centre in the North, has just been refurbished at a cost of £4.6 million.
Pauline Ross and Niall McCaughan from The Playhouse, along with local historian Ken McCormack, were in London last wee
k and visited Bronagh, who is the female lead in the West End hit 'War Horse'.
Bronagh said: "I am delighted to become a Patron for The Playhouse in Derry. It's a great honour to be asked to be part of this success. This is not only a thriving and award-winning arts centre in Derry but is one of the leading commissioning and producing theatres in the North. The Playhouse is very much at the cutting edge of investing in arts and developing new talent. Very few venues in Ireland would have nine theatre companies based on site, and operational virtually 24/7!
"I look forward to the official opening later this year, and coming to see some top quality theatre in a state-of-the-arts facility which still retains its original and unique charm," Bronagh added.
Pauline Ross, founder and director of The Playhouse, added: "We are really delighted that one of our most famous actresses has become our first Patron. Bronagh is a fine example of the terrific talent we have in this city, and she has performed in The Playhouse many times. In the last few days we had the opportunity in London to see her in the female lead of 'War Horse', which has broken all records in the West End.
"Over the next few months, leading up to our official opening in the autumn, we will be announcing a few more names for our Board of Patrons."
