CHESIL THEATRE ANNOUNCES ACCLAIMED ACTOR AND DIRECTOR PRASANNA PUWANARAJAH AS NEW PATRON

Chesil Theatre, Winchester, is delighted to announce that celebrated film, television, and stage actor, director and writer Prasanna Puwanarajah has officially become a Patron of the theatre.

Known for his versatile career spanning high-profile screen roles and classical stage performances, Puwanarajah joins Chesil Theatre at an exciting period of growth as the company prepares to start construction of its expanded building and facilities.

With family connections in Winchester, Prasanna Puwanarajah’s career is marked by a unique journey from practising medicine in the NHS to becoming a fixture of British arts. He is widely recognised for his portrayal of Martin Bashir in Netflix’s The Crown and his roles in Doctor Foster, Patrick Melrose, and Ten Percent. His stage credits include roles in the West End and at the National Theatre and award-winning directing work for the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has just starred as Bernard Nightingale in the highly acclaimed production of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia at London’s Old Vic Theatre and moves on this summer to direct 45 Years at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Paul Riddell, Chairman of Chesil Theatre, commented:
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Prasanna as a Patron. His career embodies the dedication and excellence we strive for at Chesil Theatre. Beyond his immense talent on screen and stage, Prasanna’s commitment to the arts as a force for community and storytelling aligns perfectly with our vision. Having his support as we move into our new era is a tremendous honour for all our members."

Speaking on his appointment, Prasanna Puwanarajah said:
"Community theatre is central to British creative life. It is where stories and storytellers are first discovered and where the magic of live performance is made accessible to everyone. Chesil Theatre has a long-standing reputation for producing work of an exceptional standard and for effective and real community engagement. I am proud to support them as they continue to evolve and provide a creative home for the people of Winchester."
The appointment comes as Chesil Theatre continues its ambitious "New Chesil Theatre" project, extending the present 12th-century listed building and ensuring a vibrant, modern hub for performing arts in the community.

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