Ambassadors

The Bright Foundation is fortunate to have the support of a wonderful group of ambassadors. All have worked closely with John Bright over the last 50 years or are local champions from Hastings. Just click on their respective photos to view their personal messages.

“John is a phenomenal talent in the world of costume, able to do most crafts concerned with getting a costume onto the screen or stage himself if need be; he cuts, he sews, he dyes and he will drive the costume to location if need be!”

Jenny Beavan OBE

Costume Designer

"So pleased to help such an old and brilliant friend and colleague. John Bright has taught me so much over the years; quite apart from costuming so many characters from A Room with a View onwards! I think our friendship is about 37 years old! Wishing The Bright Foundation every success in providing free access to creative activities, visual and performance arts to help inspire young minds and imaginations"

Helena Bonham-Carter CBE

Actor

“John Bright's contribution to the entertainment industry is unique and legendary. The Bright Foundation will ensure that a whole new generation has the opportunity to explore the what ifs of imagination and the arts. What a legacy, what a gift.”

Hugh Bonneville DL

Actor

"I have been visiting Cosprop for more than 30 years. John Bright's passion and knowledge has made every single visit a delight. That his enthusiasm and care is to be enjoyed by future generations is a wonderful thing."

Jim Broadbent

Actor

“I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with John in creating costumes to bring characters to life on screen. I wholeheartedly applaud The Bright Foundation's mission in stimulating young minds and imaginations by providing access to creative activities, workshops, displays, exhibitions, and events”

Michele Clapton

Costume Designer

Image by David Ho

Brian Cox CBE

Actor

"The Bright Foundation sounds the most brilliant idea and exactly the sort of thing that I would have expected John Bright to do. I think he has been a mover and shaker all his life and it's the most wonderful project. I would love to be part of it in some way. Of course, I support the charity to the hilt."

Dame Judi Dench CH DBE FRSA

Actor

Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù

Actor

"The Bright Foundation is a wonderful initiative to help nurture children's creativity, which is so fundamental in enhancing life skills across all aspects of adulthood."

Michelle Dockery

Actor

"My long friendship with John has been an inspiration in so many productions. It is an extraordinary credit to John that he is entering a new phase in his career as benefactor of the Foundation. I hope to continue to watch and help this valuable new venture develop."

Ralph Fiennes

Actor

"I am beyond honoured to be an ambassador for The Bright Foundation, an integral part of John's remarkable legacy. John's talent and passion for spreading the power of art to young people is unrivalled, and I hope to assist in this essential work in whatever way I can, now and in the future."

Freddie Fox

Actor

“The Bright Foundation and its astonishing collection and Theatre allow children from all backgrounds to experiment, experience and become confident and inspired. The creative arts are for everyone, and I am so proud to be an ambassador for this magical idea.”

Stephen Fry

Actor

“Anything that encourages children to have access to the Arts, has my vote and support. Like John Bright, I have a puppet collection which is what inspired me to become an actor when I was a boy.”

Richard E Grant

Actor

"The Bright Foundation will help to spark imaginations of children and young people, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to access creative activities, performance and visual arts. Having worked with John on so many occasions, and seen his brilliance, I applaud this vision."

Jeremy Irons

Actor

"Access to creativity is just so important for optimal child development, by helping to nurture cognitive, physical and emotional skills which are so vital to us all through all stages of our lives. The Bright Foundation is an exciting charity helping to nurture these key life skills in children and young people facing disadvantage. I am delighted to be an Ambassador of this wonderful initiative having worked with John Bright on many film and TV productions for over four decades." Photo Zoe Buckman.

Geraldine James OBE

Actor

"The aspiration to support and entertain children in Sussex and further afield, is ambitious and big-hearted. Historical items relating to childhood trigger positive reactions; often leaving a lasting impression on the imagination of children from diverse backgrounds with different abilities and life stories."

Hilary Kay

Expert, Antiques Roadshow

"A logical approach to life is fundamental. A creative approach is what makes us human in every aspect of our lives; in our relationships, in addressing everyday tasks and in our work, no matter which path we decide to follow. Nurturing creativity in children is to be encouraged in every possible way."

Sir Ben Kingsley

Actor

"I am delighted to support this superb endeavour. Creativity and the performing arts can help build confidence, social engagement and ignite the imagination, and the work of the Foundation will support and inspire the next generation of designers, artists and makers."

Keith Lodwick

Curator and Film Historian

"I first met John Bright many years ago at The National Youth Theatre and our paths went in different directions. The rest, as they say, is history. I feel it is so important to nurture creativity in children and young people; to ignite imaginations and develop so many important skills that are so integral to many walks of life, both professionally and personally. With this in mind, I applaud John's vision in making these opportunities available to those who might not otherwise have the chance to do so." (c) Photographer David Venni

Dame Helen Mirren DBE

Actor

"I am delighted to endorse the vision and philanthropy of John Bright in establishing the Barn Museum and Theatre at Rodgers Farm, alongside the Benbow Arts Space in St Leonards on sea. As a long-term supporter of the arts, the carnival and other Hastings festivals, I totally embrace free access to a new cultural and education venue. This is a truly special legacy for children and young people facing disadvantage which I wholeheartedly applaud."

Cllr Margi O'Callaghan

Mayor of Hastings

"What the Foundation is planning to do will help to bring these worlds of imagination and excitement to young people who might not be fortunate enough to have parents, or even teachers, to whom the Arts are not an 'add on', but vital and enduring part of life itself."

Tom Rand

Costume Designer

"The Bright Foundation provides a magical experience for young people and an opportunity to explore their creativity and find new interests outside the classroom. The museum offers a glimpse into the history of childhood and play while the theatre offers entertainment and education through free events, workshops and talks. The aim is to give young visitors, especially those facing disadvantages, access to creative activities, performance & visual arts, to spark imaginations, stimulate interests and even inspire career paths. I LOVE it!"

Greta Scacchi OMRI

Actor

Dame Maggie Smith CH DBE

Actor

"John you have been one of my favorite colleagues in this sometimes challenging, always glorious profession- I am so happy to help the Foundation continue with the same exceptional care, imagination, precision and depth of knowledge that made your work stand out so singularly. Great good luck with it all!" (c) image Brigitte Lacombe

Meryl Streep

Actor

"Being creative is a fundamental part of being human on so many levels. Creative thinking impacts upon all aspects of our everyday lives: our ability to form relationships, communicate, solve problems, make decisions, whichever path we decide to follow. Celebrating the history of free play, highlighting career pathways and nurturing creativity in children and young people is to be applauded and I wish The Bright Foundation every success."

Dame Emma Thompson DBE

Actor

"Creativity blossoms in young minds and should be nurtured to help cultivate imaginations and skills that are so important in all aspects and stages of life. I am delighted to support the Bright Foundation in making visual and performance arts available to children and young people, who might not otherwise have the chance to access them." Image credit: Jillian Edelstein

Zoë Wanamaker CBE

Actor

"I am absolutely delighted to be an Ambassador of The Bright Foundation, providing pathways for young people facing disadvantage to express themselves, find out who they are and to build in confidence. I cannot think of a more astonishing legacy."

Dame Penelope Wilton DBE

Actor

Anna Chancellor

Actor

Dinah Collin

Costume Designer

Joanna Johnston

Costume Designer

Chloe Obolensky

Costume Designer

Tony Pierce-Roberts BSc

Cinematographer

Tom Pye

Set & Costume Designer

Penny Rose

Costume Designer

Imelda Staunton CBC

Actor

Elizabeth Waller

Costume Designer

Deborah Warner CBE

Theatre and Opera Director

James Wilby

Actor

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Barn Theatre & Museum
Rodgers Farm
Stonestile Lane
Hastings
East Sussex
TN35 4PH

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Registered address:
2 London Road
St Leonards-on-Sea
East Sussex
TN37 6AE

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01424 559020

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