​DAME Judi Dench is to become the first patron of Broadstairs’ Sarah Thorne Theatre Club.

James Bond’s M has given the theatre group a licence to thrill audiences at the Memorial Theatre by agreeing to be their figurehead.

It is a huge coup for chairman Michael Wheatley-Ward, who knows the star through a mutual friend and first met her two years ago in her dressing room in London. He described her as “a most charming, natural and down-to-earth lady who does all she can to support the theatre”.

He said: “I’m thrilled. This is as important as getting Sir Cameron Mackintosh (cor).”

Michael wrote to Dame Judi at Christmas telling her about the club, formed three years ago, and was stunned to receive a personal letter a few weeks later.

“I  told her about the club and what we’ve achieved so far. Her agreement confirms that what we’re doing is right. This is so personal and very nice of her.”

In her letter, Dame Judi said that she is already patron of 250 organisations and that she could not promise to get to the theatre. However, those at the Memorial Theatre are not giving up hope that the queen of British theatrical royal she will pay a visit.

Michael said: “She’s an incredibly busy lady but we still hope that she’ll make it some day.”