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Sir Mark Rylance says he does "not wish to be associated with BP any more than I would with an arms dealer or a tobacco salesman".
Oscar-winning British actor Sir Mark Rylance has quit the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) over sponsorship funding it receives from BP.
Sir Mark accused the energy firm of obscuring its damaging environmental impact by supporting arts organisations.
BP sponsors the RSC's ticket scheme for 16-25 year olds.
Writing for The Guardian and campaign group Culture Unstained, he said: "Today I feel I must dissociate myself from the RSC, not because it is any less of a theatre company, but because of the company it keeps.
"I feel I must resign as I do not wish to be associated with BP any more than I would with an arms dealer, a tobacco salesman or anyone who wilfully destroys the lives of others alive and unborn.
"The RSC will continue pushing BP's brand on to a generation of young people who have - in huge numbers through the ongoing school strikes - told adults they need to step up their response to the climate crisis now.
