TV presenter and comedian Mel Giedroyc, known for presenting The Great British Bake Off and having recently appeared in the ENO’s HMS Pinafore, has been named as the patron of the new Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre in Guildford.
The Surrey-born writer and performer has a long history with the theatre, including playing a key part in the Guildford venue’s recent capital campaign.
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’.
– Mel Giedroyc
In 2025/26, 6,547 people took part in an Yvonne Arnaud Creative Learning activity including through the Young Company, the precursor to the Youth Theatre. Half of the places at the youth theatre will be free bursary places once it launches in Autumn.
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.
– Rhiannon Fisher, Head of Creative Learning, Yvonne Arnaud
