Patrons

The Trust’s patrons are drawn from a variety of background including the Bar, the judiciary, the business and acting worlds. Their support is much valued and appreciated – they are a part of the Kalisher family and we are grateful for their support, enthusiasm, and insights.

Martin Shaw
Patron & Vice President

Martin needs no introduction. He is known for his roles in the television series The Professionals, The Chief, Judge John Deed and Inspector George Gently. He has also acted extensively on stage and in film, and has narrated numerous audiobooks and presented various television series, including the 2006 series Martin Shaw: Aviators. His most recent stage production was Hobson’s Choice. Notwithstanding his heavy work commitments, Martin generously gives his time to appear in Kalisher theatre productions.

Professor Lord Ajay Kakkar KBE
Vice President

Lord Kakkar is Professor of Surgery at University College London, and was educated at King’s College London and Imperial College London.  He has been a member of the House of Lords as a crossbench peer since 2010, and sits on its Science and Technology Committee.  He chairs the Judicial Appointments Commission and the House of Lords Appointment Commission, and is the UK’s business ambassador for Health and Life Sciences. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2022 New Year Honours List.

Anthony Arlidge QC
Patron

Anthony is an original co-author of Arlidge and Eady on Contempt of Court and remains the leading co-author of Arlidge and Parry on Fraud, a leading practitioner text in the field. In the past he has concentrated on high profile murder cases, such as the prosecution of Jeremy Bamber for multiple murders. He has defended successfully in a number of SFO cases.

Raymond Fearon
Patron

Ray is a British actor of stage, theatre and film. He is an associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company and has worked extensively with the Donmar, Almeida, National, Young Vic, Globe and Royal Exchange theatres. His many film appearances include: Harry Potter, Beauty and the Beast, Hamlet, The Hooligan Factory, The Foreigner, Lulu and Jimi, and The Yellowbirds. He has also appeared on numerous television productions and generously supports the Kalisher Trust in their theatre productions.

His Honour Judge Richard Marks QC
Patron

His Honour Judge Richard Marks QC was formerly a barrister on the Northern Circuit of which he was leader from 2008-2010. In 2012 he was appointed as a Judge in the Central Criminal Court, and in 2015 he became the Common Serjeant of London, the second most senior position at that court.