That is t'question: Stellar cast gets behind company that gives Shakespeare a northern voice

The Yorkshire Post can reveal that Sir Lenny Henry, Sir Tom Courtenay, Stephanie Cole, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Mike Poulton and Blake Morrison are all to become patrons of Broadsides.

Sir Lenny, whose stage career was reborn when he played Othello with Broadsides at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2009, said: “I’ve been asked to say why I am supporting Northern Broadsides as a patron, which is an odd question because without Broadsides my life would not have transformed. Without Broadsides I would not have taken on one of the greatest tragedies known to man - Othello by William Shakespeare.

“West Yorkshire Playhouse, then a tour, then the Trafalgar theatre in London - it completely changed my life and career around.”

The theatre company, formed in 1992, is led by Barrie Rutter. Over the past two decades the company has toured the world with its stripped down, vigorous and intensely Northern productions of Shakespeare and other classic plays.

Based at the Viaduct Theatre in Halifax, a former car park underneath Dean Clough Mills, the rough and ready nature of the company is something often commented on.

Mr Rutter, who recently appeared on Radio 4’s programme Desert Island Discs, said of the new patrons: “Famous, respected, learned: a couple write music and a couple write words and between them there are knighthoods, but overall there is the shared passion and support for the work of Broadsides.

“They provide the voice of encouragement for us to maintain our high standards, relish our audiences and play our part in the rich theatrical network. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome this distinguished list of new Patrons. Their profile and commitment to theatre and communities will help enhance the reputation of Northern Broadsides as one of the country’s leading theatre companies.”

The famous faces join other new patrons of Broadsides, also announced today: Lord Shutt of Greetland, singer and broadcaster Mike Harding; Edith Hall, Professor of Classics at King’s College London, and Halifax entrepreneur Roger Harvey.

Lady Patricia, Countess of Harewood has served as the company’s patron for the past two decades and continues in her role.

Oscar nominee Sir Tom Courtenay, a native of Hull like Mr Rutter said he wanted to become a patron as a long time ‘admirer of the achievements of the company’.

Actor, playwright and novelist Meera Syal, who has worked with the RSC, the National Theatre and was one of the creators of hit comedy show Goodness Gracious Me, said: “I’m delighted to support this dynamic front footed company. Having spent too many years growing up thinking theatre wasn’t for the likes of me, it’s a joy to champion Northern Broadsides who make theatre accessible and exhilarating for all.”

Stephanie Cole, who is best known for appearing in the hit television series Waiting for God, Coronation Street, Open all Hours, Doc Martin and currently the Channel 4 comedy Man Down said: “I’ve seen many shows by Northern Broadsides over the years in many surprising and unusual and imaginative venues and have always been excited by their work and been inspired by them. May they have many more years thrilling audiences and introducing so many to theatre.”

Audiences will next have the opportunity to see the company perform in September this year, when it stages the Bradford-born JB Priestley’s much loved classic comedy When We Are Married.

Formed in 1992 by Rutter with a grant of £15,000 from Hull City Council and Yorkshire and Humberside Arts, Northern Broadsides’ ethos was: “Northern Voices, doing classical work in non-velvet spaces.”

The company’s first production was Richard III and won Rutter an award for Stage Performance of the Year.

Highlights since include a staging of the three Shakespeare plays that make up the Wars of the Roses in 2006, an award winning production of Accidental Death of An Anarchist in 2008 and the debut performance by Lenny Henry in a Shakespeare play in 2009.