Janie Dee Named New Patron of Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House has announced the appointment of its new patron, the celebrated British stage and screen actress Janie Dee. Janie's connection to the historic venue was established in 2021 when she starred in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, an acclaimed co-production between Buxton Opera House and Buxton International Festival, directed by Paul Kerryson. The Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winner, who has performed at leading venues across the UK and America, joins Lady Jasmine Cavendish, who has been a dedicated patron of the theatre for over 10 years.

Janie's prolific career spans work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre, and Shakespeare's Globe, alongside acclaimed artistic partnerships with legendary playwrights Alan Ayckbourn and Harold Pinter. Her extensive musical theatre credits range from Sondheim's Old Friends and Follies to Nicholas Hytner's celebrated 1993 production of Carousel, for which she won an Olivier Award. On screen, she has featured in high-profile projects such as ‘Official Secrets' alongside Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes and Matt Smith, ‘Chimerica', Phoebe Waller-Bridge's ‘Crashing' on Channel 4, and ‘The Burning Girls' for Paramount+.

Speaking about her appointment, Janie Dee said, “My connection to Buxton began with a knowledge of the Buxton International Festival. Then Paul Kerryson, who I had worked with on Hello, Dolly! at Curve, Leicester, invited me to play Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music at the Opera House. What I hadn't bargained for was that I would fall totally in love with the theatre and the place, the people, and the work I saw going on there. I'm now delighted to become a Patron of this beautiful and historic theatre.”

Paul Kerryson, CEO of Buxton Opera House, commented, “It has been my privilege to direct Janie as Anna in The King and I, Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! both at Curve, Leicester, and, more recently, Desiree Armfeldt in Sondheim's A Little Night Music here at Buxton Opera House. Over the years, I have come to know Janie as a true supporter of the arts and the profound effect they have on the community, especially young people. Janie is also an advocate of environmental issues and how we can make the world a safer healthier space.

“Her appointment marks another wonderful addition to this exciting new chapter for Buxton Opera House as we continue to build inspiring opportunities with and for our audiences, spark creativity, and support lifelong learning, helping people of all ages discover new skills, passions, and confidence. Janie's love for Buxton Opera House and her wealth of industry experience will undoubtedly help inspire local audiences, participants, and the next generation of theatre-makers.”

Professor Judy Simons, Chair of the Board, added, “We are thrilled that the multi-talented Janie Dee has agreed to become our Patron. Janie is a true star who inspires audiences and supporters of all ages with a love of theatre. It's a real privilege to welcome her to Buxton Opera House.”