Gecko Announces First Patrons

The UK’s leading physical theatre company Gecko has announced Arlene Phillips and Dominic West as its first patrons.

The announcement comes at an auspicious time for the company who have recently announced the London premiere for their most ambitious show to date, The Wedding, at the Barbican Theatre as part of the prestigious London International Mime Festival.

Arlene Phillips, CBE is a much-loved English choreographer, theatre director, talent scout, television judge and presenter, perhaps best known recently as a judge on hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing. Her and Gecko's Artistic Director Amit Lahav became acquainted through their both having worked with the late choreographer Lyndsey Kemp, and Arlene has been a fan of Gecko’s work since 2015 when she saw Institute.

Dominic West is a Sheffield-born actor, director and musician. He is perhaps best known for his role in hit TV series The Wire and The Affair but has worked extensively across screen and stage in both UK and US. Dominic is starring in the upcoming BBC adaptation of Les Misérables by Andrew Davies, and in October 2018 was awarded the Canneseries Excellence Award at the international TV showcase Mipcom for his outstanding contribution in TV series.

Arlene Phillips said: "I'm thrilled and excited to become a patron of Gecko. It's exciting theatre that combines dance with extraordinary music and soundscapes and a unique and strange storytelling style that draws you in. I've loved Gecko from the first moment I saw the company perform, and have the utmost admiration for Amit and the company."

Dominic West said: "A Gecko show is always a thrillingly inventive concert of lyrical movement, breathtaking imagery and a wry humanity. I have loved watching them for nearly two decades, since I first met Amit through the Argentinian group 'De La Guarda'. In 2019 we’ll see a long overdue broadening of their resources and their audience and I am delighted to be associated with that."

Amit Lahav said: "I am delighted to announce Arlene Phillips and Dominic West as our first Gecko patrons. They have both shown real enthusiasm and encouragement for the company's work over the years and are keen to support Gecko’s the future plans. Both Arlene and Dom have enormous experience and expertise in their respective fields in choreography, directing, performance and film and I look forward to continuing our conversations, reflecting on the industry and dreaming of future possibilities. I have always declared relationships as the central ethos of Gecko and I feel a warmth and connection with our new patrons energised by a drive to keep seeing Gecko grow and pursue its dreams. It is important to us that we have patrons who have a love for Gecko, a willingness to support our future development and who bring to the company diverse expertise - Dominic and Arlene are perfect ambassadors and great friends too."