Dame Helen Mirren and writer Malorie Blackman are among the theatre and arts figures recognised in this year’s Birthday Honours list. The awards celebrate a range of contributors to drama, theatre, and literature.

Helen Mirren has been made a Companion of Honour, an accolade higher than a damehood, in recognition of her services to drama. Writer Malorie Blackman and children’s author Julia Donaldson were both made dames; Blackman and Donaldson’s works have seen adaptations for the stage.

Scottish composer Patrick Doyle was awarded a CBE for his extensive work on Kenneth Branagh’s Shakespeare film adaptations, including Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V. Actor and director Dexter Fletcher, known for his UK stage performances and film debut in Bugsy Malone, received an OBE.

Other notable OBEs include author Peter James, known for the Grace thriller series, choreographer Aletta Collins, and Nick Hern, founder of publishing house Nick Hern Books. The MBE was awarded to actress and comedian Lisa Riley for services to drama, alongside theatre figures Paul Stacey of Reading Rep, Peter Talbot of the Rude Mechanical Theatre Company, and Christopher Turner of the London Bus Theatre Company.

Shirley McGill, founder of McGill School of Speech and Drama, received a medal for services to drama. Pauline Hough, aged 101 and the oldest recipient on the list, was granted a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her contributions to theatre and the community in Nantwich.

Angela Manson, Rebecca Chapman, founder of the Total Ensemble Theatre Company, and Melanie Houldershaw were also awarded BEMs for their services to youth musical theatre and local theatre and choir initiatives. The list highlights a wide spectrum of talent and dedication supporting drama and theatre across the UK.