Mountview names film producer and former trade union leader among ambassadors

Peckham-based drama school Mountview has named a raft of new ambassadors, including director MATTHEW DUNSTER, film producer PETER BENNETT-JONES, and playwright ANNE ODEKE, as the institution celebrates its 80th birthday.

Some 24 individuals from across the world of theatre, politics, and television broadcasting have joined as advocates for the drama school, founded in 1945.

They include former general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Lord BRENDAN BARBER, and ALISON KING, chief executive of Turtle Key Arts.

Headed up by president Dame JUDI DENCH and principal SALLY ANN GRITTON, Mountview only recently announced its introduction of vice presidents, actors GILES TERERA and EDDIE MARSAN.

But its new ambassador drive, which recruits the likes of presenter AMANDA HOLDEN and the artistic director of Unicorn Theatre, RACHEL BAGSHAW, is aimed at furthering its mission to dismantle barriers in the arts and inspire current students, leaders say.

Gritton said: “Turning 80 this year celebrates our resilience and drives our ambitions for the next 80 years. First we announced our vice presidents to support Dame Judi Dench, and now we welcome in our Mountview ambassadors.”

“I will work closely with each of them in their areas of passion, to inspire our current students, to further elevate our world-class training and to build our impact towards dismantling barriers in the arts,” Gritton continued.

“Our current and future students deserve wonderful opportunities and we will continue to champion them, now with our mighty ambassadors on board.”