Hot Fuzz's Edgar Wright announced as patron for Swanage theatre

Director, screenwriter and producer Edgar Wright has been unveiled as the first ever patron of The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage. 

Best known for his comedic 'Three Flavours Cornetto' film trilogy; Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End, Edgar was born in Swanage and recently returned to the theatre last summer. 

He said: “I was born and raised in Dorset and lived in Swanage until I was seven. The Mowlem was one of the first cinemas I ever attended, and it was partly responsible for a film fandom that continues to this day. 

Edgar Wright inside the theatre

“Some movies I saw there in first release with my parents and older brother Oscar, included the Ralph Bakshi animated Lord Of The Rings, Watership Down, Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Clash Of The Titans.  

“I returned to Swanage for a break last summer and was thrilled that the Mowlem was still showing movies.  

“Standing in the auditorium again was a very pleasant experience, and I hope to be down again soon. 

“I am proud to be a patron; I'm a film director now, but I never stopped being a film-goer. Keep up the great work.” 

Read more: The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage wants view on how to improve

In a statement, the Board of Trustees said: “The Trustees of the Mowlem Institute Charity are pleased to announce that Edgar Wright has agreed to become the first patron of The Mowlem Theatre.  

“The appointment of a patron for The Mowlem Theatre was an aspiration stated in our 2022 business plan but not one we imagined would be fulfilled so quickly.  

“Finding a patron with an incredible catalogue of work and a genuine connection to Swanage and The Mowlem goes far beyond what we had envisaged.” 

Laura Dickens, trustee and fundraising project manager, said: “We are delighted that the brilliant Edgar Wright has agreed to be our first patron.  

“His endorsement of The Mowlem as a seminal childhood cinema in the 1980s, just goes to show how important it is that we continue to provide top-quality film, music and theatre for future generations.”