Dame Judi Dench is Omnibus Theatre Patron To Mark Venue's 5th Birthday

Omnibus Theatre celebrates its 5th Birthday on the 10th November by announcing Dame Judi Dench as its newest Patron. She joins a roster of high profile figures from across the arts and theatre community who are supporting our award-winning Off-West End venue and helping to build its London-wide profile.

Dame Judi comments: "Small theatres such as Omnibus are the lifeblood of our industry. Without them, many actors - myself included - would not have had the same opportunity to hone our craft. I am delighted to be joining as a patron of Omnibus Theatre as it begins its next exciting chapter. It is a wonderful theatre, brimming with talent."

Omnibus Theatre's patrons also include Sir Michael Gambon, the Old Vic's Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, acclaimed director Richard Eyre and Maggi Hambling CBE. Since launching in 2013 as an independent theatre in Clapham, South London, the venue has gone on to produce six critically acclaimed productions including Woyzeck (2013), Macbeth (2014), Colour (2015), Mule (2016), Spring Offensive (2017) and Zeraffa Giraffa (2017) and hosted 2,513 performances and events.

Artistic Director Marie McCarthy says: "Omnibus Theatre has come a long way in a short space of time. It's taken a monumental, combined effort from our dedicated team, supporters and loyal audience to get to this point and we are thrilled that Dame Judi Dench has joined us on our shared mission. Her support is phenomenal news for an Off-West End theatre like ours that survives without any core-funding."

To also celebrate the occasion, actor Bill Nighy will be talking to broadcaster and journalist Miranda Sawyer for a unique In Conversation With followed by an opportunity for an audience Q&A.

The day will also be filled with free activities, interactive installations, exhibits chroniciling the theatre's journey so far and performances, including a sharing by Actors Alive, Omnibus youth theatre, a special reading by local award-winning chldren's author Dianne Hofmeyr of her new book Tiger Walk.