The David Lean Cinema has announced Joanna Scanlan as its new Patron, cementing the strong connection between the local actress and the volunteer-run Arts cinema in central Croydon.
Joanna will attend the forthcoming Volunteers Event at the cinema on Wednesday 7th June where she will officially accept the invitation to become the cinema’s Patron. The event has been organised during Volunteer Week by the cinema’s Committee to thank over 70 volunteers for their time, hard work and commitment in successfully running the local cinema.
Joanna is well placed to take up this role as she is an active champion of independent cinema and has attended two very well received sessions at the cinema previously to coincide with screenings of After Love and Pin Cushion.
Joanna Scanlan is a British actress of Welsh descent. On television, she is known for her roles in British series such as The Thick of It, Getting On, Puppy Love and No Offence. She was nominated for three BAFTA TV Awards for Getting On, including two for Best Writing. Her film appearances include Girl with a Pearl Earring, Notes on a Scandal, The Invisible Woman and Bridget Jones’s Baby. She then won a BAFTA Film Award and a British Independent Film Award for her performance in the film After Love (2020).
“I am delighted that an actor of Joanna’s calibre has agreed to become our Patron and formalise the special relationship she has with our cinema in her home borough of Croydon. We’ve laughed for years at her fabulous comedy skills, but were completely bowled over by her portrayal of a grieving, conflicted widow in After Love.” said Heather Hardie, Chair of the David Lean Cinema. ”We hope with her support that the Cinema can continue to be a distinctive part of Croydon’s cultural landscape and continue to provide a venue for the enjoyment of quality films to the people of Croydon for many years to come.”
Joanna Scanlan said: “How thrilling to be honoured with the post of Patron of the David Lean Cinema, the shining beacon for all cinema lovers in Croydon. As a young person, independent cinema changed the course of my life and continues to do so. Grassroots cinema clubs like David Lean provide a dynamic source of pleasure and enlightenment. The irrepressible force of the movie as delivered by DLC’s enthusiastic volunteers is the weekly highlight of entertainment and culture for so many. I intend to support and promote fundraising and the team’s world class programming. Join me at a film or two this year! Vivat Cinema!”
Harshida Amin, Volunteers Coordinator added: “We are thrilled to welcome Joanna Scanlan as our new Patron. Her support and expertise will be invaluable in helping us to continue providing high-quality independent cinema to the local community. We look forward to working closely with her and thank her for accepting the invitation to become our Patron.”
The David Lean Cinema is a 68-seat independent cinema located within Croydon Clocktower. It is a not-for-profit, community interest company presenting up to 6 film screenings every week.
