Omnibus Theatre today announces His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as its new Patron. The Duke joins as our royal patron alongside, Lord Michael Cashman CBE, Dame Judi Dench OBE, Maggi Hambling CBE, Rikki Beadle Blair MBE, and Paulette Randall MBE.
The Duke, is a longtime advocate of the performing arts and arts education and whose dedication aligns with the theatre’s mission in creating transformative artistic experiences. Most recently, His Royal Highness visited the award-winning Off-West End theatre in Clapham, South London in February 2024 as part of the theatre’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Fiona McTaggart, Chair of Omnibus Theatre, George Owen MBE, President of Omnibus Theatre, Artistic Director Marie McCarthy, and Bridget Kalloushi, Executive Director said: “We are honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as our Royal Patron. For many, neighbourhood Fringe theatres play a significant role in the development of playwriting and careers and offer connection, inspiration, and entertainment to people of all ages and backgrounds. With The Duke’s support, the organisation looks forward to continuing its mission of providing a home for artists, audiences and our community to reimagine our world”
Omnibus Theatre opened in November 2013, following a seven-year community campaign led by George Owen to save the old Clapham Library from developers. This much-loved Victorian building was transformed into a theatre maintaining the heritage of the library as a civic space for all. Since then, Omnibus Theatre, which receives no core funding, has grown from a fledgling arts centre into an award-winning independent theatre, home to an ambitious programme driven by the library’s legacy of sharing stories.
Omnibus Theatre also announces its new season of work for Spring 2025. Beginning the year with an incubator of new work, an eclectic mix of writers will present brand new work for the first time as part of our Engine Room: Next Page season, and Chronic Insanity return with their cross-art form blend of work celebrating their 5th anniversary as a company.
We are welcoming artists from all over the world with 1984, a Slavic adaptation of the George Orwell classic, and
Kafka’s Ape from South African company Noma Yini, two standout Edinburgh Fringe productions that are making
their London debut, as well as artists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia bringing their innovative and dynamic work.
Returning to Omnibus this Spring are Futures Theatre and Sabrina Mahfouz with their new work Argos Archives and
following her appearance at Engine Room in 2022, Stephanie Jacob returns with her new play The Guest. As well, our
regular events such as Fridaze, Moongate Mix and So This is What Happened returning each month alongside our
recurring lunchtime jazz sessions.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT GCVO with Artistic Director Marie McCarthy and the cast of 10 nights.
© Sarah Louise Ramsay
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT GCVO with Artistic Director Marie McCarthy, President of Omnibus
Theatre George Owen MBE and the cast of 10 nights. © Sarah Louise Ramsay
