The Oscar-nominated star, reportedly the highest paid British actress in Hollywood, confirmed her patronage this week.
Knightley is the latest in a long line of notable people from the world of theatre and film who are lending their support for the First Night Riders - an annual motorbike race touring parts of England to raise much-needed funds for industry charity The Theatrical Guild (TTG), the only charity dedicated to looking after the interests of backstage and Front of House personnel.
Renowned theatre design consultant Iain Mackintosh is joining part of this year's ride, travelling in a Morgan car alongside another well-respected theatre design consultant, Charcoalblue's Andy Hayles.
Actors Claire Carrie, Jan Carey, Pandora Clifford, Beatrice Curnew, TTG Chairman Jane How and Hugh Sachs, are also supporting, attending a photocall at this year's ride start at London's Royal Albert Hall. The Scottish actress and TTG President Phyllida Law (who doubles as Nanny McPhee actress Emma Thompson's mother!) will also be at the Royal Albert Hall, and rumour has it will be jumping on a motorbike to get into the spirit of things!
First Night Riders supporters Ewan Macgregor and Charley Boorman have also supplied signed books and DVDs to be auctioned off to raise money for the charity.
"We're thrilled to welcome Hollywood royalty Keira Knightley and Simon Russell Beale CBE on board at The Theatrical Guild/First Night Riders," says Brenda Edelstein from industry sponsor Triple E, who is co-organiser of the event. "TTG's work is more vital now than ever, helping those who work behind the scenes in times of hardship. Having the support of such an amazing array of actors, and of course Keira as our new patron, means the world to those who work hard to support this worthwhile charity initiative."
This year's route takes in some of the finest theatres and landscapes in England:
Day 1: - Friday 22 June - The riders depart from London's magical Royal Albert Hall and head West for a tour of Theatre Royal Bristol followed by trip to the Wiltshire Music Centre .
Day 2: - Saturday 23 June - Participants take a tour of Plymouth Theatre Royal, visitTR2, and have a look around The Globe Theatre in the Royal Marine Barracks before taking a scenic route to Truro and The Hall for Cornwall.
Day 3: - Sunday 24 June - An early start takes in the wonderful Minack Theatre, marvel at Land's End with some sightseeing, lunch in Newquay on the way to Yeovil
Day 4: - Monday 25 June - Kings Theatre Southsea provides a tour, and the riders finish at Brooklands Race Circuit and Museum, where they can see some incredible old motorbikes and get up close and personal with Concorde.
In addition to the motorcade of motorbikes, celebrated British car manufacturer Morgan is sponsoring the event with the loan of a Morgan 4/4 allowing participants to tour in glamorous style and turn heads across the south west.
The previous two rides have raised more than £21,500 for TTG, and organisers are hoping to make this year a record breaking one.
"Crucially, we really need your help to raise much-needed funds for TTG's amazing work - and riders to join the gang!" continues Edelstein. "If you want to take part - it's all for a great cause - you can find out more information via www.firstnightride.com
(Jim Evans)
