Horatio Morpurgo announced as patron of Seaton Gateway

Horatio studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh, and lives in the South West. He is a freelance journalist, and author of ‘How Thomas Hardy Expressed His Doubt’, a book on Weymouth’s 'Olympic Road'. He successfully campaigned for the first Marine Protected Area of significant size in UK waters, designated in Lyme Bay in 2008, which is one of the stories he tells in 'The Paradoxal Compass' (2017).

With a background in journalism and having studied and written about the seabed’s dramatic recovery, his knowledge and passion for the Jurassic coast is the perfect complement to the Gateway Theatre’s ethos and ambition to become a centre of excellence for the Arts and Culture industry whilst they strive to do all they can to ensure they continue to reduce their carbon footprint and find ways to ensure sustainability and progress within the challenges of being in a coastal environment.

Literary critic Adam Mars-Jones said, ‘Morpurgo’s thrilling, alarming approach to history insists on stitching the past back into the present and future’. In the same way the Gateway Theatre is embedded in the history of Seaton and its community, whilst also offering a programme that appeals to both young and old, the theatre is working hard to ensure it is here for future generations, and ‘having someone with Horatio’s knowledge, wisdom and literary passion will be a terrific support to the theatre', said theatre manager Sophia Moseley.

The Gateway Theatre charity, in the heart of the community, provides inclusive access to the arts and a wide range of entertainment. It is dependent on fundraising, donations and limited grants to cover the extensive maintenance costs of the building that is owned by Seaton Town Council. If you would like to contribute or donate to help ensure the theatre is here for generations to come, please get in touch via their website www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk