Patrons of Our Theatre
Our Patrons
Elkie Brooks
Elkie Brooks is a renowned English singer and solo artist, best known for her powerful, husky voice. Rising to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s, she has been nominated twice for the BRIT Awards and remains one of the UK’s most beloved vocalists. Her hit singles include Pearl’s a Singer, Lilac Wine, Don’t Cry Out Loud, and Fool (If You Think It’s Over). She also achieved major success with her top-selling album Pearl.
Bernard Cribbins OBE (1928–2022)
Bernard Cribbins OBE was a beloved English character actor, voice-over artist, and musical comedian. Best known as the narrator of the children's television show The Wombles, he enjoyed a prolific career spanning film, television, and theatre. Born in Oldham, Lancashire, Cribbins appeared in numerous iconic TV shows, including Fawlty Towers and The Avengers. His warmth, humor, and distinctive voice made him a cherished figure in British entertainment. He sadly passed away on 27 June 2022.
Lisa Riley
Lisa Riley is a celebrated English actress and television presenter, best known for her role as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale and as the former host of You’ve Been Framed!. She has also toured nationally in stage productions such as The Naked Truth and Calendar Girls. Currently, Lisa is a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women, where she brings her warmth and insight to daytime television audiences.
Kevin Kennedy
Kevin Kennedy is best known for his iconic role as Norman “Curly” Watts in Coronation Street, a character he played from 1983 to 2003 before briefly returning to the series. Alongside his acting career, he explored his passion for music, releasing an album with his band, The Bunch of Thieves, under RCA Records. Kevin also performed at Lancaster Grand Theatre in The Xtra Factor and enjoyed the experience so much that he became a patron—fantastic news for us!
Jane Horrocks
Jane Horrocks is a renowned English actress, celebrated for her work on stage, film, and television. She is perhaps best known for her iconic roles as Bubble and Katy Grin in Absolutely Fabulous. Horrocks also gained widespread acclaim for her performance in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, which was later adapted into the film Little Voice. Born in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, she remains a strong supporter of theatre in the region and is proud to serve as a Patron of Lancaster Grand Theatre.
Paul Smith
Comedian Paul Smith is a firm favourite at Lancaster Grand Theatre, known for his quick wit and affable nature. He has performed to sold-out crowds at the venue in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Paul’s career has gained widespread recognition, with appearances on The Russell Howard Hour and Mock the Week. He has also earned accolades such as Best Newcomer at the 2018 Comedy Awards and enjoys a large following on his YouTube channel.
Jimmy Cricket
James Mulgrew, known professionally as Jimmy Cricket, is a Northern Irish comedian. He first came to prominence as a comedian in the 1970s and has had his own shows on television and radio. Jimmy has toured in the UK with other artists such as The Osmonds, Brotherhood of Man, Gerry and the Pacemakers. He has also toured in comedy themed shows with Cannon and Ball, Paul Daniels, Frank Carson and The Krankies. In 2022 he toured with Leah Bell in the "Right Royal Knees Up Show" for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
What's On
Snow White: Family Panto
Sunday, December 7 at 2:30 pm
Robin Hood: Adult Panto
Sunday, December 7 at 8:00 pm
Schools Panto: Puss in Boots
Monday, December 8 at 10:00 am
Schools Panto: Puss in Boots
Monday, December 8 at 1:00 pm
Robin Hood: Adult Panto
Monday, December 8 at 8:00 pm
