Stoke-on-Trent's Claybody Theatre Company Announces Toby Jones As New Patron

Claybody Theatre Company has announced that British actor Toby Jones is to become a patron.

British Actor Toby Jones is known for his performances both in the theatre and on screen. His credits include roles in John le Carre's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Dad's Army, The Hunger Games, andInfamous.

Toby is well known to TV viewers for his many television roles, including Lance in the popular series Detectorists. This spring, he will star in a new series Don't Forget the Driver which he has co-written with actor, writer and director Tim Crouch. Toby is celebrated in Stoke-on-Trent for his portrayal of local legend Neil Baldwin (Nello) in the BAFTA award-winning drama Marvellous.

The Stoke connection goes deeper as Toby's father, Freddie Jones, was born in Longton and worked in the ceramics industry before embarking on a highly successful acting career.

Toby Jones says: I was delighted when Deborah and Conrad invited me to become patron of the Claybody Theatre. I have been a regular visitor to Stoke-on-Trent all my life and Claybody represents another way to reconnect with this proud city. Claybody aims to reanimate the many heritage spaces in the city with theatre that is ambitious, dynamic and relevant to the local community. I look forward to celebrating their future successes in Stoke!

Deborah McAndrew says: We were thrilled when Toby came to see our show last year with his parents, and it was then that we first thought of asking him to be our patron. Toby speaks so fondly of Stoke, and his connections to the city made him the perfect choice to become a patron. We were absolutely delighted when he agreed. He's a wonderful actor and a lovely man.

Conrad Nelson says: To have an actor of the caliber and international reputation of Toby Jones as our patron is a tremendous endorsement of the work we are doing in Stoke. We're very proud for our company, and for the city of Stoke-on-Trent.

Claybody Theatre is a Stoke-on-Trent based company whose work is inspired by the lives and experiences of local people. The company was founded in 2015 by playwright Deborah McAndrew and director Conrad Nelson. Productions have included the acclaimed Ugly Duck, Dirty Laundry and most recently Hot Lane. In 2019 the company are planning on staging Deborah McAndrew's new play The D-Road.

For more info visit claybodytheatre.com

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