We're very grateful for the support and good wishes of our Festival Patrons. You can read more about them, and their views on the festival, below...

Dame Helen Mirren

"I'm very pleased to congratulate the St Andrews Students' Association and send my good wishes and support, for this new platform for the exciting new talents growing in and around St Andrews. This is the future and we will all be the better for giving it a chance to flourish" Dame Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren is an OSCAR and BAFTA award winning actress. She is an honorary graduate of The University of St Andrews, receiving an honorary degree (Dlitt, Doctor of Letters) in 1999.

Dame Judy Dench

Born in York and trained for the stage at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Dame Judi began her career at the Old Vic and forged a long association with The Royal Shakespeare Company in 1961.  Following a distinguished career, which has included theatre directing, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1988 and a Companion of Honour in 2005.

On the big screen, she is probably best known for her portrayal of Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown and her recurrent role as 'M' in the James Bond films.  Other credits include roles in Iris, Chocolat, Notes on a Scandal, Mrs Henderson Presents and Shakespeare in Love, for which she won an Academy Award.  More recently, Dame Judi appeared in the popular period BBC drama Cranford. 

She recieved an Honorary Degree from The University of St Andrews in 2008

Sir Sean Connery

Sir Sean Connery is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Ian Flemings suave spy James Bond. Originally from Edinburgh, Sir Sean is well known for his Scottish Nationalism and is a fervent supporter of the Scottish Arts. He is also a patron of St Andrews Byre Theatre, and recieved an honorary degree from The University of St Andrews in 1988.

Joanna Lumley

"All my fondest good wishes for the great success of On The Rocks and to students far and near...cheers, sweeties!" Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley is a renowned British actress who famously starred in long running series 'Absolutely Fabulous'. Lumley is also a established author with six books in print, two autobiographies and one book that was turned into television series, 'Girl Friday'.

Joanna Lumley received an Honorary Degree from The University of St Andrews in 2006

Siobhan Redmond

"I'm delighted to hear about On The Rocks and hope it will be a huge success. It's vitally important to support and promote new work across the arts especially in these times of bet-hedging, penny-pinching and playing safe and it's thrilling to know that the students of St Andrews are creating an opportunity for aspiring and existing practitioners to work together across the artistic spectrum to make something new and lovely for the whole community to benefit from, now and in the future." Siobhan Redmond

Siobhan Redmond is a Scottish Actress, known for appearances in television series such as 'The High Life' and 'Misdsomer Murders' as well as a career as a successful stage actress. She is a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and has most recently appeared as Maria in Twelfth Night and Titania in A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Globe Theatre.

She is a graduate of The University of St Andrews, and was also awarded an honarary degree by the University in 2000.

Crispin Bonham Carter

"On the Rocks is a fantastic idea and I wish it all the best." Crispin Bonham Carter

Crispin Bonham Carter graduated from The University of St Andrews in 1992, and is perhaps best known for his role as Bingley in the BBC's infamous adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice' in 1995. He's also appeared in 'Bridget Jones's Diary' as well as TV series including 'Rosemary and Thyme', 'Absolutely Fabulous' and 'ER'.

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Simon Pegg