British actor, director, comedian, screenwriter and novelist Mark Gatiss has been named as a patron of Yorkshire based charity Grimm & Co.
Mark visited the Apothecary to the Magical in Rotherham last year with friend, League of Gentleman co-writer Jeremy Dyson (also Grimm & Co’s writer-in-residence).
Mark said: “I’m thrilled to become a patron of Grimm & Co with which my dear friend Jeremy Dyson has been intimately associated from its inception.
“When I visited Rotherham during the recent League of Gentlemen tour, I was overwhelmed by the hard work, imagination and sheer joy which Grimm and Co bring to their mission. In these dark times, they are a beacon of light”. Mark bought and later tweeted about the Grimm & Co “brilliantly sly produce”, being particularly tickled by the Vile Darkness.
Grimm & Co’s magical apothecary is based in the heart of Rotherham and online at www.grimmandco.co.uk, selling bottled Condensed Enthusiasm, A Pinch of Happiness and tins of Disappointment. Every purchase supports the children’s writing charity. Hidden behind a secret door, children’s imaginations are unleashed and confidences built through creative writing workshops where they aim to change lives, one story at a time.
Jeremy Dyson said: “I’m so delighted to be welcoming my wonderful and extraordinary friend Mark Gatiss to the Grimm & Co family.
“We’ve shared so many passions and enthusiasms over the years it comes as no surprise to find Mark is as inspired and amazed as I am by the magic of Grimm & Co. I know he will contribute enormously to the ongoing adventure.”
Grimm & Co was founded in 2014 to help to improve literacy levels across Yorkshire and Humberside and the charity has already worked with thousands of children and young people. Grimm & Co showcase the children’s work from published books through to professional performances, championing the writer in every child.
Deborah Bullivant, founder of Grimm & Co, said: “We thrilled to bits that Mark is now a patron of Grimm & Co.
“Mark and Jeremy, in fact all our sensational patrons, radiate writing at its very best. Mark explored the wonders of our story destination and enjoyed the humour behind the unique products that we have for sale in our apothecary.
He seemed gripped by Grimm’s story, so much so that he has joined us. We can’t wait to involve him in our work.”
Patrons of Grimm & Co also include Paul Clayton, Joanne Harris, Ian McMillan, Abi Elphinstone and Sir Paul Collier.
