Hollywood star patron of Leatherhead Theatre

A HOLLYWOOD star has put his name to a struggling theatre in Mole Valley.

Sir Michael Caine has become the patron of the Leatherhead Theatre.

The Oscar-winning actor's patronage comes at a time of great need for the theatre, which is desperate for funds.

Simon Fielder, artistic director of the theatre, said: "It is difficult to say exactly how much we require but in the short term we need about £50,000.

"But that is only for the short-term. What we really need is ongoing funding.

"At the moment we can't run anything for very long if this doesn't work initially.

"We have many exciting plans for the theatre, both on and off stage, particularly as it is the celebration of our 40th birthday next year.

"We hope that over the next few months we can get people back through our doors.

"At the moment the only money we take in is on the door and through building hire.

"Sir Michael is obviously high profile so I think it will say a lot to people about our ambitions.

"And hopefully it will also make it easier to attract funding."

Sir Michael, who has been patron of the Leatherhead drama festival for five years, made his first public appearance as patron on Friday, at the theatre's pre-Christmas event.

He said: "I am out here to support Simon. This is a guy who knows what he is doing. I used to live in Windsor and one of things that impressed me about Windsor was their theatre, it gave them a bit of glamour.

"Leatherhead needs a bit of Glamour – with a name like Leatherhead you need some glamour.

"This man and this theatre have my complete support."

The theatre also hopes to improve disabled access, upgrade the café, host a film festival and work more with the community.