Queer Theatre, the London-based LGBTQIA+ theatre and production company dedicated to telling queer stories and nurturing queer talent, has announced actress Pearl Mackie as its latest patron.
The acclaimed Doctor Who actress joins an impressive roster of patrons including Sir Stephen Fry, Annette Badland, Martin Sherman and Adèle Anderson.
Recognised worldwide for her groundbreaking portrayal of Bill Potts, the first openly lesbian companion in Doctor Who, Pearl has become a defining voice for queer visibility on stage and screen. Since then, she has starred in Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner, National Theatre’s Ballet Shoes and Grenfell: In the Words of Survivor. Most recently, she appeared as Alysse in Netflix’s hit political drama The Diplomat.
Pearl Mackie comments,
“It is my honour to join Queer Theatre as a patron. It is so important as Queer people in the Arts that we are offered safe spaces to express ourselves, nurture our talent and truly share our experiences and Queer Theatre offers exactly that. What a delight to join and support this wonderful community.”
As patron, Pearl will support Queer Theatre’s mission to provide a platform for LGBTQIA+ voices in the performing arts. The organisation offers 2B: Acting Classes for LGBTQIA+ creatives, a monthly Queer Play Reading Club, and the Show People Podcast, alongside social events that create a year-round network for queer creatives.
Andrew Keates, Artistic Director of Queer Theatre, shares,
“When researching Pearl’s career, what struck me most was just how hard she has worked — whether that be through her difficult experiences at drama school, clawing her way around the South London fringe, or fighting to sustain momentum until finally achieving success both in the West End and, of course, on Doctor Who. She has remained unashamedly herself throughout, providing a beacon to queer women of colour all around the globe. To have even a little of that bright, brilliant light shining on our LGBTQIA+ theatremakers is an honour. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her as our newest Patron.”
More information can be found here.
