LORD MICHAEL CASHMAN CBE AWARDED THE MOUNTVIEW PRIZE IN ASSOCIATION WITH PECKHAMPLEX

Lord Michael Cashman CBE © http://www.lordmichaelcashman.com/

Mountview is delighted to announce Lord Michael Cashman CBE as the recipient of the 2022 Mountview Prize, in association with Peckhamplex, recognising his work as an actor, politician and activist inspiring social change.

Launched last year, the Mountview Prize celebrates those who drive social change and inspire others in the process. This year also marks a new three-year partnership with Peckhamplex, one of London’s best-loved independent cinemas, reflecting the shared values of the two organisations and continuing Peckhamplex’s longstanding history of championing the arts in Southwark.

Designed to create a lasting legacy, alongside the Prize an annual bursary will be awarded to a talented artist from an historically excluded community who is in financial need. This will support them to train at Mountview and cements Mountview’s commitment to support future generations of theatre makers who remain underrepresented in the industry.

Michael Cashman said:
“I am extremely proud and overjoyed to be this year’s recipient of the Mountview Prize which will help to support and nurture a young artist from an excluded community. Mountview has a distinguished record in the development of generations of talent both onstage and backstage and it’s an honour to be associated with it. This award chimes with my life’s work of inclusion and breaking down barriers. I could not be happier!”

Cashman grew up as an actor and is best known for his role as Colin Russell in EastEnders, a character who famously had the first gay kiss in a British soap in 1987. He served as a Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands from 1999 to 2014, a role which included being the Labour spokesperson on human rights in the European Parliament as well as a member of the Civil Liberties Committee.

Oscar Conlon-Morrey | photo by Samuel Black

Michael co-founded Stonewall Group UK and is an LGBTQ+ rights activist which saw him win the Pink News Lifetime Achievement Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Diversity Awards.

Cashman was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for his public and political service.

Cashman will be awarded the prize at a special event on 17 October at Mountview’s home in Peckham. The event will feature him in conversation with actor and Mountview alumnus Oscar Conlon-Morrey, an award-winning actor, compère, comedian and cabaret artist. The event will be streamed on Mountview’s YouTube channel from Wednesday 19th October starting at 7:30pm and available for one month.