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Old Vic's summer party raises £500k in support of theatre's future

Fundraiser: Noma Dumezweni was at the Old Vic summer party: Dave Benett
Fundraiser: Noma Dumezweni was at the Old Vic summer party: Dave Benett

The Old Vic Theatre raised more than £500,000 at its annual summer party — as its boss warned that it could “cease to exist” unless it continued to receive support.

Stanley Tucci and Noma Dumezweni, star of stage play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, were among the guests at the party, hosted by Rob Brydon. There were performances by Madness and pianist Joe Stilgoe as well as an auction hosted by Sotheby’s chairman Lord Dalmeny.

The money raised will support the development of new shows. Artistic director Matthew Warchus said he also wanted to refurbish the theatre’s “historic fabric” and “revitalise this building and confirm its place as a crucial and indispensable part of London’s cultural landscape”. He added: “If we don’t succeed, there’s a genuine risk that The Old Vic will cease to exist as a theatre producing work, or potentially as a theatre at all.”

Among the lots auctioned were a walk-on part in Ridley Scott’s new film, which went for £16,000, and the chance to have a Bond villain named after you in Anthony Horowitz’s new novel, which sold for £38,000. Others included a Christian Louboutin clutch bag and the chance to spend a week with fashion designer Bella Freud and create your own bespoke jumper.

Several of the theatre’s big name stars donated prizes, with John Boyega, currently appearing in Woyzeck, contributing signed Star Wars merchandise. Daniel Radcliffe, who starred in a revival of Rosencrantz And Guilderstern Are Dead at the theatre earlier this year, signed Harry Potter books. @RobDexES