Griff Rhys Jones is a Playhouse Patron!

The Playhouse secured the support of the Welsh actor and comedian when Playhouse founder Pauline Ross and general manager Niall McCaughan met up with him at his home in London last week.

An active conservationist, Griff Rhys Jones presented the BBC Two programme Restoration in 2004, in which the Playhouse was a finalist, and was very impressed with the work of the Playhouse.

The Playhouse team were in London last week as they received a prestigious award for Best Practice in Regeneration from the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA).

While in the capital they met up with their old friend to present him with a print of the city by local artist Tim Webster as a thank you for his support.

Griff Rhys Jones has now joined fellow actors Gabriel Byrne, Bronagh Gallagher, Roma Downey, Sorcha Cussack and Eva Birthistle and writers Jennifer Johnston and Frank McGuinness in the star-studded list of names pledging their support for the theatre.

The actor said he was more than happy to lend his support.

"I am very pleased to come on board as a Playhouse Theatre Patron. The work that the Playhouse does in its local community is invaluable and the very impressive restoration, refurbishment and extension project in the Playhouse is a great gift for the whole of the city," he said.

The Playhouse's Niall McCaughan said: "We are just delighted to have Griff on board. When Griff came to visit the building he was bowled over with the activity and organised chaos in the building!

"There were 21 buildings listed for the regeneration programme, and 18 of them were derelict. He came here and he said to me that he loved being somewhere so creative and active.

"He was hoping to be at the official opening of the new building but unfortunately for us, and fortunately for him, he got the part of Fagan in Oliver. He took over from Rowan Atkinson, but hopefully he will visit soon. This is great news for the Playhouse!"