Celia Imrie, Jeremy Irvine And Samantha Bond Join Acting For Others' 'One Night Only At The Ivy'

Theatrical charity Acting for Others today announces the return of "For One Night Only at The Ivy", in London Theatreland's West Street, on Sunday, 2 December 2018.

The evening sees stars of the stage and screen swap their costumes for aprons and serve diners for a one-off sitting at The Ivy, a restaurant renowned for its unfaltering service. Leading the waiting staff this year and trying their hand at bartending, waiting tables, taking coats and welcoming guests will be Annette Badland, Samantha Spiro and Shelia Hancock. They will be joined by Robert Lindsay, Laura Carmichael, Arlene Phillips and Jemma Redgrave.

Over £124,000 was raised last year for the charity Acting for Others, which provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 15 member charities.

There will be just one, exclusive sitting, with guests arriving for pre-dinner drinks from 6.30pm. This very special three-course dinner, with aperitif and wine, costs £250 per person and includes a voluntary donation of £150 to Acting For Others. After dinner, celebrity auctioneer Jim Carter will announce and sell to the highest bidder a selection of highly covetable prizes. This year these include the chance to watch ballet in the wings at the Royal Opera House, pre show dinner with Sir Derek Jacobi and Samantha Bond followed by tickets to All About Eve and The Ivy comes to your home to cook dinner.

Director of The Ivy, Fernando Peire said today, "It wouldn't be a night at The Ivy without a sprinkling of familiar faces and some fairy dust, but One Night Only takes people watching to another level as our friends from the theatrical community pull together to raise money for colleagues in need."

Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Co-Chairman of Acting for Others also said, "One Night Only is a jewel in the crown of Acting for Other's fundraising activities - and we're thrilled that The Ivy is once again organising this year's event with us. We look forward to welcoming top acting talent to this gloriously fun evening, who generously give their time for free, to host, wait tables and entertain guests all in aid of the 15 charities of Acting for Others."

For those who are unable to attend One Night Only but still wish to support Acting for Others, an online auction will be open from Monday, 23 November. Details of the auction can be found at www.charitybidding.co.uk/auction/onenightonly