Multi-award-winning West End star Giles Terera MBE (Hamilton) has received the Freedom of the City of London, in a ceremony held at the Guildhall in London today, 24 July 2024.
Terera was joined by family members at the ceremony, and has been recognised by the City of London Corporation for his outstanding achievements in the performing arts.
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
Giles Terera recently starred is Passing Strange at The Young Vic in London, and is heading into the West End this autumn starring alongside Steve Coogan in Dr. Strangelove at the Noel Coward Theatre.
His other credits include winning an Olivier Award for Hamilton in the West End; Othello, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Blues for an Alabama Sky at the National Theatre; Clyde’s at the Donmar Warehouse; The Meaning of Zong at the Bristol Old Vic and Barbican Theatre; Black Matter at Crazy Coqs; The Tempest at the Theatre Royal Haymarket; The Rat Pack at The Strand Theatre; Abbey Theatre Dublin’s production of Playboy of the Western World; and Avenue Q in the West End.
Giles’s film and television credits include Death of England; The Current War; Doctors; London Boulevard; and Horrible Histories.
He was nominated for the Freedom by the City Corporation’s Deputy Policy Chairman, Keith Bottomley, and his colleague, elected Member, Deputy Andrien Meyers.
Giles Terera said he accepted the award, “in honour of my mother, Valda Terera” and that “my aim as an artist has always been to acknowledge those who came before me and inspire those who come after me.” See the full statements, below.
Other recent West End recipients of the Freedom of the City of London include Trafalgar Entertainment owners Rosemary Squire & Howard Panter, and theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
Book tickets to see Giles Terera in Dr. Strangelove in London
What They Said
Giles Terera said in a statement: “I receive this recognition with deep appreciation and happiness. I accept it in honour of my mother, Valda Terera, who not only, along with my aunts and uncle helped rebuild the city and society after the war, but who also brought myself and my sisters as children to London as often as she could afford and encouraged us to explore, learn, and contribute. I believe that art has a contribution to make to a free society. My aim as an artist has always been to acknowledge those who came before me and inspire those who come after me. This recognition is a much-appreciated encouragement in the continued pursuit of that goal.”
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “With roles ranging from Othello and Sammy Davis Jr. to Caliban, Aaron Burr and Christy Mahon, Giles Terera has shown himself to be one of our most versatile actors. His Freedom award is richly deserved in recognising and rewarding his impressive talents and sheer dedication to his craft, and I wish Giles continued success and fulfilment.”
City of London Corporation Deputy Policy Chairman, Keith Bottomley, said: “As one of the most outstanding actors of his generation, it feels entirely appropriate to celebrate Giles Terera’s considerable achievements by awarding him the Freedom of the City of London. Audiences in London’s West End and on the South Bank, and at theatres and other venues across the UK will have admired Giles’ commanding stage presence, musical talent, and comic timing, and will no doubt welcome today’s news that he has received this award from the City.”
City of London Corporation elected Member, Deputy Andrien Meyers, said: “In receiving the Freedom to recognise his consummate skills as an actor, musician, and filmmaker, Giles joins many highly respected and talented figures from the arts, including Sir Ian McKellen, Ed Sheeran, Sarah Waters, Shabana Azmi, Dame Eileen Atkins, and Sir Grayson Perry. I was delighted and deeply humbled to join Keith Bottomley in supporting his nomination for this award and hope that he will have happy memories of the ceremony for many years to come.”
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