Long-standing supporters of the Swan Theatre may well remember John Doyle, who was the director for seven years in the 1980s.

Many people refer to his time as "the golden age of the Swan" and say that he was one of the nicest and one of the most talented people to hold office there.

Incidentally, he is now one of the top directors in the world.

For example, his London version of Sweeney Todd the Barber has just been nominated for an Olivier Award, and is due to move to Broadway soon at the specific request of the author, Stephen Sondheim.

Why am I telling you this?

Because he has just agreed to become the patron of the Swan Theatre.

I have a meeting with him in London next week to discuss how he can best help the theatre.

I think that it is really good news that he is going to get involved.

Another piece of good news is that the Worcester Festival has been nominated for a national marketing award.

The award ceremony is in London on Wednesday, February 9.

We probably won't win (the natural pessimist in me showing itself here!) but it's great to get national recognition for work done by Huntingdon Arts in Worcester.

And it will definitely help put the festival even more on the map.

Finally, congratulations to Kays for another great pantomime at the Swan.

Robinson Crusoe played to sell-out audiences, and was a triumph!

Chris Jaeger is Director of Huntingdon Arts