I grew up watching New Era productions. My parents were very keen members and whether tortuously helping my Mum learn her lines or watching my Dad shamelessly trying to wring every gag possible from a script, I learnt a huge amount about what theatre can do. I watched everything from farce to comedy to tragedy and back to farce again. I made coffee in the back kitchen and I sold programmes on the door and they even let me be in a couple of them too. The productions were always of incredible quality and everyone involved – behind and on the stage – seemed to work incredibly hard for them. It’s a place that therefore has a hugely special place in my heart and I was very grateful and honoured to be asked to be a patron.

Jack