TWO celebrities have signed up as official patrons of an up-and-coming Southend based theatre company.

Old Trunk was set up last year by friends Sadie Hasler and Sarah Mayhew, who met while working on a show at the Palace Theatre, in Westcliff.

The pair have now secured backing from funnyman Phill Jupitus, who lives inLeigh, and author, actor and comedian Jenny Eclair.

Sadie has known Phill for years and worked with him on one of his stage shows.

She met Jenny when they both starred in TV show Al Murray’s Multiple Personality Disorder.

Sadie said: “I just thought they would be really good because they are great at what they do, very supportive and are good friends of mine.

“Jenny came to see our first show in London and was so lovely about it, and after that I started thinking about getting some patrons.

“I would never call on them to do too much or ask for a lot of their time because I know they are very busy, but it’s fantastic to have their support. It makes people realise we are serious about what we’re doing and it’s great to have names who are so experienced in the industry to go to for advice.”

Old Trunk’s first show, the Bastard Children of Remington Steele, showcased at the Alex on Alexandra Street, Southend, and enjoyed a stint at the Camden Fringe Festival, before a run in London’s Leicester Square.

Sadie and Sarah went on to complete a sequel, the Secret Wives of Andy Williams, earlier this year and are now working on the Vagabond Diaries – a collection of tales with a soundtrack by Southend-based band the Lucky Strikes.

Residents will be able to enjoy the work of Old Trunk at Metal’s Village Green festival at Chalkwell Park tomorrow.

Jenny Eclair said: “Sadie is an old friend of mine. She’s always been interested in my work and I’ve always been interested in hers. I came out to see the first show they put on and it was great.

“I wouldn’t put my name to just anything, but I’m more than happy to do so for Old Trunk. I can’t give them any money because I don’t have any, but she has my support.”