Opera star becomes theatre's first patron

OPERA star Lesley Garrett has agreed to be a theatre’s first patron.
Lesley Garrett contributes to the Cast Theatre's confetti wall.Lesley Garrett contributes to the Cast Theatre's confetti wall.
Lesley Garrett contributes to the Cast Theatre's confetti wall.

The singer is supporting a fundraising campaign by Doncaster’s Cast Theatre called Make Your Mark.

In February, she performed to a sell-out crowd at Cast and signed a piece of the theatre’s confetti wall showing donor pledges.

The singer was instrumental in securing the funding for Cast’s development, hosting a charity concert back in 2002 at Doncaster Racecourse to raise money for the theatre and has now pledged to be its first ever patron.

Ms Garrett said: “I’m thrilled to support such an important cultural asset in my beloved hometown.

“I’m very proud to make my mark on Cast, a charity that welcomes local people from all walks of life to be captivated by music, dance and theatre which may not otherwise have reached them.”  

Mathew Russell, Cast’s interim executive director, said: “Lesley has seen at first hand the transformative effects of great culture throughout her illustrious career. I know that Lesley’s support for our work will make a real difference to Doncaster.

“We are hugely grateful for the commitment she has already extended to Cast, and look forward to working with her as our patron.”