Award winning actress Zoë Wanamaker has agreed to become a patron of Mull Theatre, the company announced today (6 January 2004). In accepting the honour, Zoë Wanamaker afforded her full support to Mull Theatre in their move to develop a new theatre on their home island.

Zoë Wanamaker said; 'I am delighted to be patron of Mull Theatre at this crucial time. The company has a deserved reputation for producing high quality theatre in a rural location and touring it throughout Scotland. Its work has graced many fine stages, not to mention village halls. Nevertheless, Mull Theatre has struggled financially and practically for many years, operating out of a converted cow-byre on shoestring funding.'

Ms Wanamaker continued;  'Now things are really changing for the better (for instance the company has the substantial backing of the Scottish Arts Council) and this project is an example of that. Building a new theatre on the island will bring tremendous opportunities to the whole community especially to young people, and this is so important.'

Artistic director of Mull Theatre, Alasdair McCrone, welcomed Ms Wanamaker's backing. 'We are thrilled that Zoë Wanamaker has agreed to be patron of Mull Theatre. This is a time of great growth and development in all areas of the company, following on from our three year revenue funding award from the Scottish Arts Council in 2002. We are actively seeking other patrons who would like to support the work of Mull Theatre. Endorsement such as Zoë's and that from our other patrons enables us to continue to provide quality, variety and service to the promoters and audiences around the highlands and islands and to a wider network of theatres and arts centres throughout Scotland.'

For further information contact Lee Hendrick at Mull Theatre on Tel: 01688 302828 / 302673, Fax: 01688 302717 or email mulltheatrepress@aol.com