Announcing our new Patron!

We are delighted to announce Hackney’s own Idris Elba as Patron of Immediate Theatre! The patronage honours Idris’ Hackney roots and reflects his belief in using the arts to bring people from different backgrounds and communities together.

Community theatre companies play such a vital and unsung role in supporting young people in some of London’s most underprivileged boroughs. I have been so impressed with the team at Immediate Theatre and their tireless efforts working with young people in Hackney, providing them with a place of safety and encouragement where they can be free to express themselves, and I’m proud to join them as a Patron.

- Idris Elba, Patron

Immediate Theatre was founded in 1996 by our Artistic Director, Jo Carter. The term “immediate” implies “right here”, on your doorstep and the “right now” of being responsive to the current issues affecting local people. We work in partnership with community groups across Hackney to give people a voice and engage them in the process of change.

I would like to thank Idris for his support and dedication to Immediate Theatre. We believe that his representation and commitment to our organisation at such a challenging time for the industry will bring much-needed support to continue our work with the most vulnerable communities across Hackney and make a positive impact in our society. Being a Hackney boy himself, his support for Immediate Theatre will inspire and encourage the young people we work with, strengthening their belief in what they are capable of achieving.

It is an honour to welcome Idris as our first Patron. Immediate Theatre’s mission is to involve communities in making theatre that inspires wellbeing, breaks down barriers and engages people in the process of social change. We work with young people and communities in Hackney and East London to ensure access for all to Theatre and the Arts. Our vision is for a society where questioning, articulate and motivated people create and collaborate to build thriving communities. We look forward to working closely with Idris in the years to come.

- Jo Carter, Artistic Director