Multi-award winning stage, screen and television actress Lesley Manville OBE has become a Patron of ArtsEd.

“I have for some time heard nothing but glowing reports about the standard of teaching and talent of the students. But only now, having seen the school in progress for myself, can I truly appreciate that the happiness and commitment of the students comes from nurturing their skills in an environment that allows them to soar. On top of this the facilities are of an entirely professional standard. I look forward to being able to give my time to this centre of excellence.”

In the theatre Lesley has recently been seen in Long Days Journey into Night at The Bristol Old Vic and Ibsen’s Ghosts at the Almeida Theatre, West End and New York for which she won both an Olivier Award and the Critics Circle Best Actress Award. She has been a long term collaborator with Mike Leigh appearing in many of his films, most notably All or Nothing and Another Year, winning The Critics Circle Best Actress Award for both. Lesley’s most recent television credits include The Go-Between, River (for which she received a BAFTA nomination) and the title role in the critically acclaimed Mum. Lesley was made an OBE in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours List and is currently filming Harlots an eight part US/UK series to be screened next year.