Benedict Cumberbatch Appointed President of LAMDA

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Sherlock star has supported Barons Court academy since graduating in 2000

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch CBE has been appointed as the new President of his former college LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) in Hammersmith's Talgarth Road.

Benedict, who graduated from LAMDA in 2000 with an MA in Classical Acting, is taking up the position immediately, succeeding Timothy West CBE who steps down after 31 years in the role.

Since graduating, Benedict has gone on to an award-winning career as an actor on stage and screen. His credits span theatre, TV and film – including of course the iconic detective in Sherlock, and several Hollywood blockbusters including The Imitation Game, Star Trek Into Darkness, August: Osage County, Twelve Years A Slave, The Fifth Estate and the titular role in Marvel’s Dr Strange series. Forthcoming projects include a new TV series Patrick Melrose based on the bestselling series of books by Edward St. Aubyn, which will be broadcast on Sky Atlantic later this year.

In 2013 Benedict launched LAMDA’s fundraising campaign for its new building, which opened in spring last year. LAMDA’s new home on Talgarth Road, with its ten rehearsal/training studios, three public performance spaces (The Sainsbury Theatre, The Carne Studio Theatre and The LAMDA Linbury Studio) and screen and audio suite, unites all of LAMDA’s world-leading training facilities and its renowned LAMDA Examinations on one campus in Barons Court.

He said: "Having trained at LAMDA, I am thrilled to have been appointed as its new President and would like to thank my predecessor, the great Timothy West for his remarkable and steadfast tenure.

" It will be an honour to watch the next generation of actors, directors and technicians blossom and grow into outstanding creative artists and theatre professionals through the exceptional training provided by LAMDA."

LAMDA Principal, Joanna Read: " ‘I am truly delighted that Benedict has agreed to join the LAMDA family as President. As a fantastic actor who understands his craft and our industry, I know his insights will be terrifically beneficial to students and staff.

"I am excited to have his support in opening up access to our world-leading conservatoire training and for LAMDA’s unique approach in nurturing, training and inspiring the talent of the future."

Timothy West, outgoing President said: "I joined LAMDA as a Trustee in 1980 and have watched its monumental growth over those 37 important years; and I now feel that, while links with the past are in some ways beneficial, links with the future are what really counts.

"LAMDA’s President now should, I feel, be a visible and potent power in our profession, and when I heard that Benedict Cumberbatch had accepted our invitation to take over the Presidency, I was overjoyed. I wish for him the same pleasure, pride, fellowship and enjoyment that has always been mine as LAMDA’s President."

LAMDA's announcement comes as it prepares for its spring season of performances, beginning with Terence Rattigan's After the Dance, running from 6 - 15 February, followed by Brian Friel's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s masterpiece Hedda Gabler from 7 - 15 March.

You can see full details of the season here. These plays are open to the public, with standard tickets costing £14, and special half price rates for Hammersmith and Fulham residents.

January 19, 2018