Birmingham actress Annette Badland announced as a new patron of The Old Rep
EastEnders actress Annette Badland has said she is “utterly delighted” to become a patron of Birmingham’s historic Old Rep theatre.
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The Olivier-nominated actress, who played the villainous Aunt Babe in the BBC soap, will join Brian Cox, Toyah Willcox, Brian Blessed and June Brown as a patron of the space.
Badland, 68, said: “The Old Rep was so important to me when I first fell in love with theatre and acting, so I’m utterly delighted, surprised and honoured to be a patron.
“It is really important to me as it is my home town and my beginnings.”
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Badland, from Edgbaston in Birmingham, is also known for roles in Doctor Who and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
She has been gifted a seat in The Old Rep’s auditorium, which reads: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.”
The theatre – originally named the Birmingham Repertory Theatre – was built in 1913 as the UK’s first ever purpose-built repertory theatre, and has played a pivotal role in the careers of actors including Laurence Olivier.