Naomie Harris becomes patron of Intermission Youth Theatre
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage
Naomie Harris has been made a patron of Intermission Youth Theatre, joining Mark Rylance at the London-based organisation.
The actress – who was made and OBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to drama – is best known for her work in film with credits including the Oscar-winning Moonlight and James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. She trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and her work on stage includes Danny Boyle's Frankenstein at the National Theatre in 2011.
Intermission Youth Theatre provides young people from London's inner-city communities with a year-long programme of drama and Shakespeare, to explore issues such as knife crime and gang warfare. The programme culminates in the production of a new play, fusing Shakespeare text with street language.
On her appointment, Harris said: "I think the work Intermission does is phenomenal and I am so impressed by the amount of talent and commitment from the members. It will be my honour to help represent Intermission and the Youth Theatre."
Artistic director Darren Raymond added: "We are thrilled that Naomie is supporting us in this, our tenth anniversary of IYT. She is a fantastic role model, offering inspiration to our young people."
Graduates of the programme include Tosin Cole, who was recently cast as one of Doctor Who's new companions and previously starred in Star Wars: The Force Awakens andHollyoaks.
