Dame Judi Dench supports the Seagull Theatre campaign

Dame Judi Dench is to become patron of the group trying to reopen the Seagull in Lowestoft which closed last year after losing county council funding.

Actor Des Barrett, who is helping to organise the campaign said Dame Judi's involvment was a "real boost".

"I mentioned the theatre's plight to her and she asked to join the support group and then agreed to be a patron," he said.

Dame Judi is a multi-award winner in theatre, television, and film, with six BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, and an Oscar for her role as Elizabeth I in the film Shakespeare in Love.

Mr Barrett said: "It's important for our future as actors and actresses to keep the smaller theatres involved in the industry.