Patron

The Marchioness of Londonderry
(formerly Doreen Wells)

Doreen Wells joined the Royal Ballet in 1956 after her time with Sadlers Wells. She first came to prominence when she stepped in for Margot Fonteyn and danced with Rudolph Nureyev in Raymonda. She danced all over the world from 1960 to 1970 and has danced all of the great roles. She retired in 1974 but continued to make guest appearances including some with the London City Ballet.

She diversified her career and won acclaim for her dancing and interpretations in her appearances on the lighter side of musical entertainment. At the Royal Variety Show in 1985 she played the young Anna Neagle in a scene from Spring in Park Lane. She also danced on the West End Stage when she alternated with Makarova for a time in On Your Toes.

In 1988 she attended a gala charity performance of Napoli at the Civic Theatre in aid of St. John’s Ambulance. She was invited to be our Patron in 1994, an invitation that she graciously accepted, and has since attended a performance every year.