National treasure Barbara Windsor voiced her support for a statue of director Joan Littlewood outside Theatre Royal Stratford East.
The EastEnders and Carry On star visited the theatre yesterday (November 21) with Mayor Robin Wales for the launch of its campaign to honour the late director, calling it “long overdue”.
The theatre’s public appeal hopes to raise the final 40 per cent of the funding needed to erect the bronze sculpture, which will be created by international artist Philip Jackson.
Barbara Windsor said: “I am thrilled to be supporting this campaign in having a sculpture erected to the late, great Joan Littlewood, at last.
“Not only was she a pioneer in British theatre, she also changed my life and career.
She added: “In my eyes this tribute is long overdue.”
Ms Windsor worked with Joan Littlewood at Theatre Royal Stratford East early in her career, appearing in the Broadway run of Oh What a Lovely War in 1964 and in Littlewood’s film Sparrows Can’t Sing.
The sculpture will be installed in Theatre Square next Spring and will coincide with the theatre’s staging of Oh What A Lovely War.
Kerry Michael, artistic director of theatre, said: “Joan Littlewood brought theatre to the people of east London and revolutionised the international theatre landscape with her bold and powerful productions.
“We’re grateful to all those who have helped us raise nearly 60 per cent of the funds required to commemorate her with a statue in Theatre Square and urge the public to get behind this important campaign.”
To support the campaign or for more information visit www.joanlittlewood.com.
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