Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, best known for his roles in Pride and Prejudice, The King's Speech and the Bridget Jones films, has been announced as Encore Youth Theatre's first patron.

Noël Jones, Artistic Director for the Winchester based theatre commented 'It is a real honour for us to welcome Colin Firth as patron... We feel that with the addition of Colin, we are able to expose the fantastic talent that is available in Winchester and the surrounding areas, and highlight the level that can be achieved through hard work and dedication'.