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Story by Jack Foley
FOLLOWING the high-profile launch if its fundraising campaign,
by actor, Jude Law, the
Young Vic has announced that it has secured a maximum £5
million National Lottery award, towards the cost of its essential
£12.5 million refurbishment.
The successful grant application means that the future of the
popular South Bank venue is all but secured, as only £2.5
million is now needed to realise the target. This will be sought
from private donors and businesses, via the campaign launched
by Law.
News of the award completes a terrific week for the theatre,
which was also recognised at the Olivier
Awards for its ‘audacious’ season last year, under
the artistic direction of David Lan.
A statement from him, regarding the Lottery boost, said: "This
is a brilliant and extremely welcome endorsement of our plans
for our new building.
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"It is as valuable for the message of public support as
for the huge contribution to our campaign. We are very grateful
to Arts Council England (ACE) for their continued and generous
backing."
His comments were echoed by Peter Hewitt, chief executive of
ACE, who added: "The Young Vic Theatre is an important part
of London’s cultural landscape.
"For 34 years, it has produced a consistently challenging
and inspirational body of work and nurtured the talents of some
of our most gifted artists. Arts Council England is delighted
to be able to make this award towards the restoration and redevelopment
of this much loved building."
The grant means that work on the refurbishment can begin July,
with a view to being completed by the Summer of 2006.
The Young Vic company is hoping to co-produce projects elsewhere,
during that time.
The new building will retain its renowned semi-in-the-round auditorium,
but two smaller studios will be built to its west, for rehearsals
and performances.
Options for public donations to the Young Vic’s campaign,
include naming opportunities or buying permanent seats in the
auditorium, can be viewed by visiting the website, which can be
accessed to the right of this page.
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