Benedict Cumberbatch at the Park Theatre Gala

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Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch had foregone the BAFTA’s’ to be there and showed his true colours by winning the red and white scarf, saying he would be wearing it at every game next season. He also agreed to join Sir Ian in sponsoring a seat at the theatre, on which both their names will appear, fitting as Sir Ian is to soon appear as Sherlock Holmes in a new film exploring his twilight years.

Cumberbatch is friends with the theatre’s artistic director Jez Bond and said he has been a supporter from the start, coming to see the opening show and Adult Supervision, starring his ex-girlfriend Olivia Poulet and Stroke of Luck starring Tim Piggott-Smith.

“They have had some wonderful performers here already and the theatres only quite young so bring it on,” he said.

“When Jez told me he was opening a theatre I said ‘get out of here’ but then he showed me the site and I thought 'that could work’, there isn’t an intimate space like this in the area.”

He added: “This is as local as it gets for me as I’m just near the heath and I’m just thrilled for Jez and his success and that all his hard work has paid off and I hope the audience numbers continue to grow.

"I think to open a local theatre when you are still in the middle of a recession is a really involved thing to do and his tickets price policy, hats off to that, because there’s proper access and people can come here and be inspired and moved and I think it’s a great addition to the local community.” [x]