The Old Vic Summer Party Raises Over Half A Million Pounds

Through its work on stage and participatory projects, The Old Vic welcomes 300,000 people through it's doors each year, within this number 10,000 young people take part in education and new talent projects. It does so without receiving any regular government subsidy. As the theatre looks ahead to its bicentennial year in 2018, last night's gala was the beginning of this journey and a crucial moment in helping the cultural beacon to hit its annual target of £3.5million.

Upon arrival and for the drinks reception guests were taken on a backstage journey, designed by theatre designer Joanna Scotcher, with behind the scenes memorabilia and a glimpse into a world rarely seen on display.

To kick off the night's adventure Norman Conquests stars Jessica Hynes and Stephen Mangan lead a game of Heads and Tails to raise additional funds. Joe Stilgoe and the Ronnie Scott's All Stars also entertained the crowd.

Introducing some of the evening's performances Rob Brydon continued that 'this is why we are all here tonight - to celebrate and support The Old Vic and its ground-breaking work.' Attendees were treated to a sneak peak, and first public look of Girl from the North Country, previewing from 8 July. The ensemble cast were in attendance with Claudia Jolly and Sam Reid performing the song I Want You. Charlie Fink and Jade Anouka took to the stage to perform excerpts from their hit show, Cover My Tracks, currently playing at the theatre as a late night addition to Season 2. Old Vic Associate Artist Kate Prince's dance company ZooNation also performed, demonstrating Matthew Warchus' vision to make the theatre a home for innovative and groundbreaking dance once again.

Guests were also treated to a surprise duet by Joe Stilgoe and Rob Brydon who sung their take on There's No Business Like Show Business and then blew the crowd away with an improvised Blues number with lyrics inspired by those in the room.

Sotherby's Chairman, Lord Harry Dalmeny led an electrifYing Live auction followed by Madness spurring revellers onto the dancefloor and HIX pop up until the early hours, accompanied by DJ Jeremy Healey.

Guests included Stanley Tucci, Noma Dumazweni, Cush Jumbo, Guy Richie, Tim Key, Dermot O'Leary, Ronan and Storm Keating, Danny Houston, Tess Daly, Bertie Carvel, Jade Anouka, Angela Hartnet, Gavin Turk, Anthony Horowitz, Josh Berger, Sarah Sands, Ewan Venters and Dame Julia Peyton Jones.

Matthew Warchus, Artistic Director of The Old Vic said, 'I believe this is a pivotal moment in the history of The Old Vic. We are creating a new model and a new experience in order to ensure it survives as a producing theatre with a social mission.

Why does this matter, other than it's my favourite theatre in the world? There is no other theatre this size, or this flexible, with this level of affordability, social conscience, creative innovation and lack of mandate to create a particular type of work in operation today. It must be upheld for tomorrow's artists, audiences and young people - for whom the possibilities are limitless. Anyone who is motivated and able to offer financial support to the arts is visionary and heroic in my view.'

The event was generously supported by Champagne Taittinger, Greene King, Indigo Wine, Beefeater London Dry Gin, Audi, HIX, Square Root London, Fortnum & Mason and Swarovski.

Photo credit: Jeff Spicer

To post a comment, you must register and login.