Midhurst's flourishing new Centre Stage Academy Theatre School has welcomed two new patrons.
Award-winning actress Geraldine James, who lives near Petworth, and Midhurst Rother College's new principal Joe Vitagliano, have given it their endorsement.
Maggie Ferrari, centre spokeswoman, said: "Born in Maidenhead in 1950, Geraldine James rec
eived an OBE in 2003 and is a much-admired member
of her profession.
"She has made innumerable television, theatre and film appearances, winning a Golden Lion award for Best Actress at the prestigious Venice Biennale Film Festival for the film She's Been Away.
"She is also especially well known for playing the heroine Sara Layton in the TV series The Jewel In The Crown in 1984, the 'baddie' in the hit film Calendar Girls and Mrs Pincher, the long-suffering mother to David Walliams' unweaned son Harvey, in Little Britain."
Geraldine hopes to give a masterclass to students at Centre Stage Academy Theatre School later this year.
Also joining Centre's patrons is Joe Vitagliano, the new principal of the Midhurst Academy.
Maggie said: "Dr Joe grew up in the area and was head boy at Midhurst Grammar School, having also attended Herbert Shiner Intermediate School in Petworth.
"He went on to study at the Universities of York, London and Cambridge.
"He has a particular interest in the arts and especially drama and was delighted to accept the Centre Stage Academy's invitation to join their panel of distinguished patrons, alongside June Whitfield, Hugh Bonneville and Lady Amber Leighton."
More details on
www.csa-theatreschool.co.uk