When I was looking for a Patron I had an idea of who I would like, I wanted someone who understood the issues that we are trying to address through drama. I wanted someone who had first hand knowledge of the issue of race, culture, and those taboo subjects that we so often skirt around.

Dear All,

I am delighted to be a new patron for Mixed Blessings theatre Group. I think youth theatre is a fantastic resource whether you want to be an actor, director, writer or just to meet people and make friends. Creating a show is about team work and cooperation, skills that we need in life.

Best of luck for your show at the Fringe. Are you nervous? Nerves are good. When I get nervous I just focus on what I have to do and do it as best as I can and before you know it the show is over and you're ready for more! There is nothing like getting through a play on your first night in front of an audience. Every actor feels exposed because if something goes wrong you're the one who'll look stupid. But adrenalin is a wonderful thing and you'll surprise yourselves on the night I'm sure.

Anyway, I'm sorry i won't be able to see the show. But good luck. Most of all - enjoy!

All the best

Lolita did her training at RADA , has had an extensive career in TV, Radio and on stage, as well as raising a young family with her husband Adrian Lester.

FILM: VENUS (Nurse Gupta) d: Roger Michell Venus Pictures<

THEATRE:

FREE OUTGOING (Malini) d: Indhu Rubasingham Royal Court Theatre

JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN (Fanny Wilton) d: Michael Grandage Donmar Warehouse

AS YOU LIKE IT (Rosalind) d: Acter Tour of USA

THE WAITING ROOM (Tara) d: Indhu Rubasingham National Theatre

MEDEA (Chorus) d: Phyllida Lloyd Royal Exchange, Manchester

THE SCHOOL OF NIGHT (Rosalinda Benotti) d: Jack Shephard Chichester Festival Theatre

ANTIGONE (Antigone) d: Rumu Sengupta BAC

GRIMMS TALES (Various) d: Tim Supple Young Vic

TWELFTH NIGHT (Olivia) d: Deborah Paige Salisbury Playhouse

CASTE (Esther Eccles) d: Bridget Panet BAC

KING LEAR (Goneril) d: Yvonne Brewster Talawa Theatre Co.

DRAGON (Little Else) d: David Ultz National Theatre

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Hippolyta) d: Robert Lepage National Theatre

THE RECRUITING OFFICER (Duckling Smith) d: Pat Truman Swan TheatreWorchester

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD (Lucy) d: Jenny Stevens Swan Theatre Worchester

TELEVISION:

EXTRAS Xmas Special ’07 (Maitre D’) d: Ricky Gervais BBC FORGIVEN (Social Worker) d. Paul Wilmshurst More4

BODIES (Tania Ganeshan) d. John Strickland BBC

THE LAST DETECTIVE Ser 4 (Beth) d: Martin Friend Granada

SILENT WITNESS 9 (DI Palmer) d: Richard Signey BBC TV

DOCTORS (Dam Dodhia) BBC TV

TRAUMA (Kelsey) d: Nick Laughland Ecosse for ITV

HOLBY CITY (Maya Dutta) d: Ian Barnes BBC TV

FORTYSOMETHING (Surinder) d: Hugh Laurie Carlton Television

UNTO THE WICKED (Asha Nassir) d: Justin Chadwick BBC TV

SILENT WITNESS (Joe Bell) BBC TV

MEDICS (Sita) d: Richard Signey Granada Television

NUMBER TIME (Presenter – 4 series) d: Various BBC TV

A & E (Nathlie) d: Nick Laughland Granada Television

THE BILL (WPC Jamila Blake) d: Various Thames Television

RADIO:

BLACK IS TH1E COLOUR d: Lu Kemp BBC Radio 4

A SECOND CHANCE d: Nadia Molinari BBC Radio

A BROKEN NEST d: Celia de Wolfe Fiction Factory

FAITH, HOPE & BLUE CHARITY (Narrator) Watershed Productions

STOWAWAY Radio4

MONSOON d: Frances Anne Solomon BBC Radio 4

SAMSARA d: Nandita Ghose BBC Radio 4

SOLD d: Nandita Ghose BBC Radio 4

HOUR OF THE STAR d: Nandita Ghose BBC Radio 4

SHAKTI d: Nandita Ghose BBC Radio 4