David Tennant takes his seat in the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre
18 November 2009
Actor David Tennant lent his support to the Transforming our Theatres Appeal when he visited the site of the new theatre, the first time since performing Hamlet at The Courtyard Theatre last year. Following a tour of the new buildings, David took his seat in the main auditorium, which is currently under construction, to raise awareness of the Take a Seat appeal.
Over 500 seats have already been named in the auditorium, some for a favourite actor, director or to mark an anniversary, for an individual or to commemorate somebody’s life. Actors who have already had a seat named after them include David Suchet, John Thaw, Ian Richardson and Dame Peggy Ashcroft, so there’s plenty of opportunity for people to name a seat after a favourite actor.
The transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is due for completion at the end of 2010 at a cost of £112.8 million. There is still £10 million left to raise and there are a number of different ways that the public can contribute, from dropping their spare change in collection buckets to sponsoring a brick
online.
Caroline Jones, Director of Development, said:
‘We’ve been overwhelmed with support for the project. Over 7,000 people from 43 different countries have made donations towards the re-building of our theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon. People haven given to the appeal for lots of different reasons, often it’s because of the important role that the RSC has played in their lives and now they’re pleased to be able to give something back.
‘We still have some way to go. Raising money in the current economic climate is tough but I’m confident that, with our track record of success and the excitement surrounding this project, we will reach our target. Naming a Seat in the new auditorium is a way to contribute vital funds to the project, as well as creating a strong association with the Company and our future. David’s support for the seat appeal means a lot to us.’
To find out more information about the Transforming Our Theatres project and how people can get involved visit www.rsc.org.uk/transformation
Ends
For further information contact Jane Ellis (jane.ellis@rsc.org.uk) 07966 295 032.
Notes to Editors
Name a Seat campaign - Donation levels begin from £50 per month over 24 months or a one-off contribution of £1,200. Seats can also be named at the level of £2, 500 and £5,000.
The transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre costs £112.8 million and is funded by:
Arts Council England: £50 million
Advantage West Midlands: £20 million
£42.8 million is being raised through private donations from trusts, individuals and foundations.
