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14

Jul

Last Updated: 14/07/2025
Lifestyle
Lifestyle

WATCH: Downton Abbey star sends video message to young Harrogate actors

by John Grainger

| 14 Jul, 2025
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jimcarterimeldastaunton
Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton at a Damien Poole Theatre Arts rehearsal in Harrogate.

Downton Abbey star Jim Carter and his actor wife Dame Imelda Staunton have sent a good luck message to the young actors of a Harrogate theatre company ahead of the first night of their production at the weekend.

Harrogate-born Jim was head boy at Ashville College and went on to win an Emmy for his role as Mr Carson the butler in TV's Downton Abbey. Imelda has also had a long career on the stage and screen, winning Emmys, Baftas, Golden Globes and an Oscar nomination along the way.

They are patrons of the Harrogate-based Damien Poole Theatre Arts company, which provides professional training in musical theatre. Young actors from the company will stage three performances of The Little Mermaid over the weekend.

Together, Imelda and Jim have recorded a good luck message to boost the morale of the young performers, many of whom will be making their first appearance in a stage musical.

Damien Poole, who is producing and directing the show, said:

We’re absolutely thrilled to have the support of Imelda and Jim. Both of them are acting royalty in the UK and to have their backing means so much.

The Little Mermaid will be staged at Yeadon Town Hall in Leeds on Saturday and Sunday (July 19 and 20). 

Tickets for the production, which includes a matinée on Sunday, are available from Yeadon Town Hall Theatre or by clicking here.

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