Kenneth Branagh Named Progress Theatre Patron Academy Award & BAFTA Nominated Actor and Director Endorses Reading Local Theatre Progress Theatre, 20 July 2011 PRESS RELEASE The Progress Theatre, one of Reading’s oldest working theatres, has today named Kenneth Branagh as its official Patron. Kenneth Branagh said, “I am delighted to be appointed as a Patron of the Progress Theatre in Reading. I relocated to Reading at the age of 9 from Belfast and my stage career started at the Progress when I was a teenager. Next year the theatre celebrates its 65th anniversary and continues to maintain a quality of production that remains second-to-none.” “We are thrilled to have Kenneth Branagh as our official Patron of Progress Theatre, Reading” said Aidan Moran, former Chairman of Progress Theatre. “The theatre company which was first formed in 1947, has staged over 520 popular and challenging productions in Reading. Kenneth’s endorsement as a highly successful film, radio, television and stage actor and director adds further credibility to the quality and diversity of theatre we produce.” This Summer Progress Theatre will stage a number of productions including an open air production of William Shakespeare’s 'The Tempest' and 'Proof', by David Auburn. Further information can be found on-line: www.progresstheatre.co.uk/. About: Progress Theatre Progress Theatre is one of Reading’s oldest working theatre, having been established in 1951 by the Progress Theatre company, which was itself established in 1947. The Theatre enjoys excellent relations with the Arts and Leisure department of Reading Borough Council, and is staging a new Open Air Shakespeare production “The Tempest” in the wonderful gardens of Caversham Court. Progress Theatre is a member of the Little Theatre Guild (LTG) and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) and is registered in England as a charity (no. 205440). About :Kenneth Branagh Kenneth Branagh is one of the UK’s finest actors and directors who has consistently delivered popular and critically acclaimed performances on film, television and in the theatre. He is also a successful director. Most recently he directed the film THOR which has been a huge success worldwide and his performance in the BBC’s WALLANDER, for which he shoots a new series later this year, has been a massive hit. His most recent appearance in the theatre was in the Donmar’s IVANOV, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, and in the autumn he will return to the stage in Belfast in a new comedy, THE PAINKILLER.
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