It is with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of YAT Patron Annabel Giles on Monday 20 November 2023.

Annabel joined YAT in 1975, and appeared in many of our early productions at Hampton Court Theatre, most notably in Dracula Spectacula in 1977.

After leaving YAT, Annabel went on to become a very successful television and radio presenter. She also worked as a counsellor, psychotherapist, model, actress, and novelist.

We were honoured in 2009 when Annabel agreed to become a YAT Patron and, despite living in Brighton, she continued to support us whenever she could, visiting Hampton Hill Theatre and seeing YAT performances over the years.

Annabel once wrote "YAT was just [in] a primary school hall, but there was a magic in that hall, a magic that changed many lives. We learnt about different people, we tried being different people, we became different people. I never felt awkward again. My confidence levels soared, I made new friends, my life changed and I have been in 'showbiz' ever since. And I'm still in touch with some of those YAT people now, 30+ years later."

A kind, generous and very funny person who will be dearly missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her.