30/07/13….Just a minute! Who’s the new patron of Thame theatre?

THE Thame Players Theatre Company were delighted to learn this week that Nicholas Parsons OBE has agreed to become a Patron of their Company.

Nicholas, the well-known presenter on BBC Radio 4?s comedy game show Just A Minute, stage performer and actor extraordinaire, lives near Thame and has appeared twice at the Players Theatre in the last couple of years. In the first show, Nicholas spoke about his life in show business presenting his one-man comedy show, and in the second, he performed a one-man show celebrating the life and work of the nonsense poet, Edward Lear.

Nicholas began his career as a serious actor working in repertory theatre and is a strong supporter of theatre and its place in the local community. He commented: “I am very pleased to be the Patron of such an outstanding theatre company as Thame Players, who have been entertaining the local community with shows ranging from serious drama to comedy and pantomime for nearly 70 years.

“Unless we actively support local theatres like Thame Players by attending their productions, we will lose one of the most valuable creative resources we have, with the power to enrich our lives enormously.”

Known as ?the ultimate comedy host? because of his chairmanship of Just a Minute for over 45 years, as well as chairing the quiz show, Sale of the Century, for 14 years, Nicholas continues to be known for his comedy work as a one-man act on the stage, from his cabaret work in the ?50s as a stand-up comedian at the Windmill Theatre, to his appearances on The Nicholas Parsons Happy Hour at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ? this year will mark his thirteenth successive visit to the Fringe.

Thame Players, who run the only dedicated theatre in Thame, are currently involved in a fundraising campaign, Building A Better Theatre, to raise