Theatrical sponsor: a new stage backed (5)

I believe the answer is:

angel

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'theatrical sponsor' is the definition.
'angel' can be an answer for 'sponsor' (angel is a kind of sponsor). I am not sure about the 'theatrical' bit.

'a new stage backed' is the wordplay.
'new' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation eg NT for New Testament).
'stage' becomes 'leg' (a leg is a stage of a competition).
'backed' says the letters should be written backwards.
'leg' written backwards gives 'gel'.
'a'+'n'+'gel'='ANGEL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for angel that I've seen before include "Messenger of God" , "Heavenly spirit" , "One backing theatre production" , "Obliging person" , "eg Gabriel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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