TV star Mark Gatiss backs “beacon” Grimm & Co as he becomes latest patron

SHERLOCK star Mark Gatiss has become the latest patron of children’s literacy charity Grimm & Co.

The League of Gentleman writer, who plays Sherlock Holmes’ brother Mycroft in the hit drama, described the storytelling workshop and “apothecary to the magical” as “a beacon of light”.

Mark visited Grimm’s base on the corner of Wellgate in Rotherham last year with friend and League of Gentleman co-writer Jeremy Dyson, who is also the charity’s writer-in-residence.

Founder director Deborah Bullivant gave us a heads-up on Mark’s interest in March, revealing how he had been especially charmed by the shop’s twirling “beanstalk” slide.

Mark said: “I’m thrilled to become a patron of Grimm & Co, with which my dear friend Jeremy Dyson has been intimately associated from its inception.

“When I visited Rotherham during the recent League of Gentlemen tour, I was overwhelmed by the hard work, imagination and sheer joy which Grimm & Co bring to their mission. 

“In these dark times, they are a beacon of light.”

Mark tweeted about Grimm & Co’s “brilliantly sly produce” after being particularly tickled by Vile Darkness (a pot of acrylic ink).

Sales from items such as the bottled Condensed Enthusiasm, A Pinch of Happiness and tins of Disappointment support the children’s writing charity.

Jeremy said: “I’m so delighted to be welcoming my wonderful and extraordinary friend Mark Gatiss to the Grimm & Co family.  

“We’ve shared so many passions and enthusiasms over the years it comes as no surprise to find Mark is as inspired and amazed as I am by the magic of Grimm & Co. 

“I know he will contribute enormously to the ongoing adventure.”

Grimm & Co was founded in 2014 to help to improve literacy levels across Yorkshire and Humberside and the charity has already worked with thousands of youngsters

Deborah said she was “thrilled to bits” to have Mark as a patron.

She added: “Mark and Jeremy (pictured below left to right), in fact all our sensational patrons, radiate writing at its very best. 

“Mark explored the wonders of our story destination and enjoyed the humour behind the unique products that we have for sale in our apothecary.

“He seemed gripped by Grimm’s story, so much so that he has joined us. We can’t wait to involve him in our work.”

Other Grimm & Co patrons include Paul Clayton, Joanne Harris, Ian McMillan, Abi Elphinstone and Sir Paul Collier.