London's Old Vic theatre is looking forward to a new era of prosperity after its new boss Kevin Spacey hosted a glittering fundraiser to kick off his tenure. The struggling venue's new artistic director welcomed a roll-call of stars from both Britain and the United States, for the benefit concert.
Courtney Love gave a characteristically memorable performance when she sang a duet with Sir Elton John, dressed as Daffy Duck. She went on to shed the outfit and performed the end of the tune in just her underwear.
No doubt Virgin Boss Richard Branson, who was sitting in the audience, was not surprised by her antics, considering she had earlier been arrested on one of his jets. Also performing at the event were Sting, Craig David and Elvis Costello.
The musical line-up was complemented with entertainment from Joseph Fiennes, Peter O'Toole and Cate Blanchett. Quite a memorable evening by anyone's standards, but at £1,000 a ticket, the audience were expecting an all-star show.
The concert was expected to raise £500,000 which will go towards badly needed refurbishments. Kevin, who says he fell in love with the Old Vic after visiting it as a child, has also put in £100,000 of his own money.
He performed in the theatre, in The Iceman Cometh, in 1998 and has been involved in fundraising ever since. The two-time Oscar-winner says he will appear in two plays a year and will also direct for the theatre.
"It is something that I feel deeply about and have put over two years of thought into," he said. "Frankly, it is something that I am utterly overjoyed at having reached a decision upon."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
