Three of the most prolific and celebrated theatre-makers in the country are to become Patrons of Exeter Northcott Theatre and supporters of the University of Exeter.

Theatre luminaries George Stiles, Anthony Drewe and Nick Allott to become Patrons of Exeter Northcott Theatre and supporters of the University of Exeter

Stiles and Drewe – the multi-award-winning musical theatre writing partnership – and acclaimed theatre producer Nick Allot OBE will deepen their ties to the two institutions, where they enjoyed their formative experiences in music.

All three were students at the University, and took part in shows at the Northcott before going on to forge remarkably successful careers.

The shows of Stiles and Drewe have been seen all over the world and have been translated into many languages. Their scores include the international smash-hit Cameron Mackintosh / Disney production of Mary Poppins, the Olivier Award-winning Honk! and most recently Half a Sixpence and The Wind in the Willows.

Their illustrious career started when they were students at the University and were given the chance to stage a production at the Northcott Theatre – Tutankhamun – which received standing ovations each night.

Composer Stiles, who graduated in 1983 on the BA Music degree, said: “I remember looking out at all those people clapping and thinking I could get used to this! That moment was the start of it all and led to our first meeting with Cameron Mackintosh. We were so lucky that the University had a theatre on campus and that first handshake with the Theatre Manager led to many more handshakes and fantastic projects. We were given a chance and it’s so important that the next generation of theatre-makers are given that chance too.”

Lyricist Drewe, who graduated the same year with a BSc in Zoology, said: “As a student arriving at Exeter in 1980, I think the building that I frequented the most was the Northcott Theatre, which probably didn’t impress my lecturers in the Department of Biological Sciences!’ added Anthony Drewe. ‘If it hadn’t been for the theatre, standing as it does in the middle of campus, I think my life and career would have gone in a very different direction.”

Nick Allot OBE is an alumnus of the BA (Hons) Economic History and Economics degree and left to work at the Northcott in 1973. He said: “One of my earliest memories was standing on the Northcott stage and holding out my arm to be used as a ballet bar for one of Rambert’s principal dancers! I had to learn a lot quickly, but I loved every moment. It was my first job in the theatre and laid the foundations for a long and happy career.

Returning to the campus and to the theatre last November, the trio took time to watch a showcase of work by current drama students who were able to meet and receive advice from the esteemed alumni.

“Spending time with the Drama team and their engaged and ambitious students was very rewarding,” said Allot. “Both the Northcott Theatre and the University are nurturing the writing, acting and producing of stars of the next generation and that’s very exciting.”

As Patrons of Exeter Northcott and champions of the University, the trio will offer ongoing support to the development of the creative industries in Exeter including annual visits to the city, and meeting students along with South West theatre-makers to offer practical advice, support and inspiration.

Professor Jane Milling, Head of the Department of Communications, Drama and Film at Exeter, said: “The University has a strategic commitment to showcase, celebrate and nurture the creative industries in the region and we’re thrilled that Stiles and Drewe and Nick Allott will work with us to support this mission.”

Martin Berry, Creative Director of Exeter Northcott Theatre, added: “Exeter Northcott has launched the careers of so many writers, directors and performers in theatre as well as in film, TV and music. Regional theatres have a crucial role in supporting that talent pipeline and our new Patrons demonstrate the importance of providing students the opportunity to stage their work in a professional theatre. It can be life-changing for the artists themselves and for the many thousands of people who later benefit from the work they create. We are all hugely grateful to George, Anthony and Nick for agreeing to support this work and for sharing in our mission and values.”