HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, has renewed his patronage of Northern Ballet.
The news was confirmed during Northern Ballet’s run at Sadler’s Wells as the Company performed The Great Gatsby to sold-out houses. The Earl and Countess joined dancers, orchestra members, technical crew and staff onstage and posed for a photograph after watching the performance.
He has been the company’s patron since 2003, following Princess Margaret who had been patron until her death in 2002.
Northern Ballet Chief Executive, Mark Skipper, said, “We’re really delighted that His Royal Highness has renewed his Patronage of the Company. He has always been an excellent and genuine ambassador for us and shows us terrific support. He comes regularly to see the Company perform at venues around the country and he officially opened our award-winning home in Leeds.”
The Great Gatsby, a new ballet by Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, has now concluded an extensive national tour. It was performed in nine venues around the UK, breaking box office records to make it Northern Ballet’s most successful spring season ever. More than 50,000 people attended performances generating £1.24m in ticket sales.