North London rebbetzin Susannah Levene has been honoured for her services to the theatre.

Ms Levene, who is married to Rabbi Neil Kraft of Edgware and District Reform Synagogue, North-West London, was recently appointed Queen Ratling of the Grand Order of Lady Ratlings — one of the most prestigious female sororities in the entertainment world. She will head the Order, which raises funds for charitable organisations related to the entertainment industry. Ms Levene, 50, tells People: “I am honoured to have been voted in this year — the organisation’s 80th year. We have some very special events lined up.

“I hope to help raise its profile and bring a lot of warmth and humour.” Ms Levene has been involved in theatre for more than 25 years as an actress, in addition to production and management roles. She became involved in the Order in 1993, alongside Princess Anne and Barbara Windsor.

The Order was established in 1929 as a sister organization to the Grand Order of Water Rats, an all-male charitable group linked to the theatre.