Mel Giedroyc becomes Patron of new Guildford Youth Theatre

Mel Giedroyc, TV presenter, writer, and actor will be the Patron of the new Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre. Everyone at the Yvonne Arnaud is delighted by this fantastic news, as they work to create a new group for young people, evolving out of the current Young Company. 

Surrey-born Mel has been a great supporter of the theatre, lending her brilliant presenting and interviewing skills to An Evening with Dame Penelope Keith as part of the fundraising activity for the recent capital campaign, for example, and we couldn’t be happier to have the support of another wonderful funny woman.

Mel said: ‘I’m truly honoured to have been invited to be a Patron of the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre, whose commitment to supporting young people often overlooked by society is incredibly inspiring, especially with half of its places offered through bursaries to ensure real accessibility.

I strongly believe the arts are essential for fostering creativity, confidence, emotional well-being, and self-expression, while also helping to bridge inequality and reduce anxiety. The work the Arnaud does in the community is life-changing’.

Rhiannon Fisher, Head of Creative Learning added: ‘We are so excited to have Mel as the Youth Theatre’s Patron. Not only is she hugely creative, she has a genuine understanding and appreciation of the many positive benefits Youth Theatre can bring to the lives of children and young people. Mel brings bucket loads of empathy to the role and is the kind of grown up that young people can learn from but also relate to. We can’t wait to work with her on championing access to the arts at the Yvonne Arnaud.

In 2025/26, 6,547 people took part in an Yvonne Arnaud Creative Learning activity. The Youth Theatre will play a central role in our determination to keep breaking down barriers to arts participation and sharing the diverse benefits of engagement. Fifty percent of the young people taking part will be supported by free bursary places, provided by generous supporters and trusts and foundations. It will launch in the autumn term this year for ages 13 – 16, with more groups to follow. 

Details about how to join the Youth Theatre will be shared over the coming weeks on our website yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 

Mel Giedroyc

Mel Giedroyc is a TV presenter, writer and actor, known for shows such as the multi Bafta-winning Great British Bake Off (BBC), as a regular presenter for BBC’s Children in Need and Eurovision. She hosted the comedy panel show Unforgivable (Dave) and Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker (C4). Mel’s first novel The Best Things was released in 2021 and she is currently writing her second novel, which will be launched later this year.