THE Savoy Theatre in Monmouth has announced that comedian, broadcaster and author Griff Rhys Jones is to be a new patron of the theatre.

Mr Rhys Jones is well-known to television audiences across the UK as the presenter of the BBC’s show, Restoration, as well as his many travel and history programmes.

He has performed twice at the Savoy, and was so delighted with the reception he received on both occasions that he agreed to forge a more formal bond with the historic venue, which he called “a perfect little theatre”.

Chris Ryde, director of the Savoy, said: “Griff is an absolute perfect fit as a patron because of his connections to Wales, his support for heritage, through his Restoration TV series, and of course because he is a top-class entertainer”.

Mr Rhys Jones joins a list of other notable patrons of the Savoy, including astrology columnist and Strictly Come Dancing star, Russell Grant, playwright and former children’s laureate, Julia Donaldson, and Sir Tony Robinson, best-known as the presenter of the archaeology show Time Team, and for playing Baldrick in the TV series, Blackadder.