Honours List: Elaine Paige, Gary Oldman, Rufus Norris and more recognised

This year’s birthday honours list has been revealed.

Actor Gary Oldman receives a knighthood for services to drama, alongside Rufus Norris, former director and chief executive of the National Theatre, honoured for services to theatre. Alexander Beard, chief executive of the Royal Ballet and Opera, is also knighted for services to the arts. Antony Gormley joins the Order of the Companions of Honour for his contribution to visual art. Honours for arts philanthropy include Hans Rausing and Dr Anna Rausing, both cited for services to the arts.

Elaine Paige is made Dame for services to music and charity, with author Pat Barker, British Academy president Julia Black, and pottery founder Emma Bridgewater also recognised at damehood level for contributions to literature, research and ceramics respectively.

Paige said this evening: “Music and the charities I support are the mainstays of my life. To receive this acknowledgment for doing what I love is the ultimate privilege. In the words of Rodgers & Hammerstein “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame” and this newly-minted one is absolutely over the moon and truly grateful.”

Several theatre and screen leaders are appointed CBEs. These include Jane Tranter of Bad Wolf, theatre producer Kate McGrath of Fuel, and former BBC Proms director David Pickard. Television producer Stephen Lambert and actress Jane Lapotaire also receive CBEs. The BRIT School’s Stuart Worden is honoured for his work in creative arts education, while artist and curator Harris Elliott is recognised for services to the arts and cultural diversity. Tracy-Ann Oberman was made MBE for her services to Holocaust education, as well as combatting antisemitism, while Samantha Morton was made OBE.

Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson is made a CBE for services to art. Arts-focused honours continue with Thomas Bloxham, chair of Manchester International Festival and Factory International, and Alison Myners, former chair of the Royal Academy. Jeffrey Pope, a writer, director and producer, has been honoured for services to drama (MBE). David Nicholas Meredith, chair of Albany Theatre Trust, receives recognition for services to theatre and to the community in Coventry. Ralph Mills, a dresser at the National Theatre, is awarded for services to theatre.

Opera singer Ann Atkinson Sharp is awarded an MBE for services to music, alongside Adjoa Andoh, recognised for her work in drama. Mark Bills, former director of Gainsborough’s House, is also recognised for services to art and museums.