BRENTWOOD Theatre should have no problem filling seats at this year’s Christmas show after it got an award-winning artist to design the artwork.

Brentwood Theatre Company struck it lucky when Karen McInnis, an American artist and animator whose work has won her an Emmy award, agreed to design the artwork for its Christmas production of Roald Dahl’s much loved story, The Twits.

Mark Reed, from the community theatre, which is in Shenfield Road, explained it was thanks to the theatre’s patron, a former Brentwood boy, Stephen Moyer, that the artist came on board.

He said: “One of the American fans of our patron, Stephen Moyer, offered her services as a professional designer and created this wonderful unique art work for us.

“This is in addition to over £6,000 which has been donated by our international friends, which has been a huge boost to the theatre.”

Being such a big fan of Stephen’s US hit series True Blood, when she heard about the theatre, Karen offered her services.

She said: “Jean visited the theatre earlier this year and told me how much she loved Brentwood.

“When the guys started asking people what sort of image should be used to promote this show, I sketched out some ideas.

“They fell in love with my designs and, several adjustments later, we came up with this picture.

“I am so pleased to be supporting the theatre in this way and wish them the best of luck.”

Karen has worked in the graphic department for major US television networks, including CBS, and has also designed book covers, album art, and magazine illustrations, as well as having her work displayed in New York galleries.

Tickets are already on sale for the show, which runs from December 7 to 30.

It costs £12.50, or £10.50 for concessions. To book a seat call the box office on 01277 200305, Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm.