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Story by Jack Foley |
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OSCAR-winning actor, Kevin Spacey, is set to continue his love affair with
London’s West End theatre after being named director of the Old Vic Theatre
Company.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, February 5, 2002, was marked with
a special fundraising concert in aid of the theatre, in which stars including
Elvis Costello, Sting and Sinead O’Connor performed the songs of Sir
Elton John.
Spacey, who appeared at the Old Vic in 1998, in the highly-acclaimed The Iceman
Cometh, and who is also a trustee of the 185-year-old venue, promised that
he would return to the stage in the very near future, as well as drawing in
some big-name talent.
He has also pledged to make a ‘significant’ time commitment for
the job - although he does not intend to give up making movies. He maintains
that theatre is now his ‘primary allegiance’.
The star of movies such as American Beauty and The
Usual Suspects intends to appear on stage at least twice, as well as directing,
and claims that he has not underestimated the level of commitment the project
is going to require.
He told a press conference on Wednesday: "It is something that I feel
deeply about, have put over two years of thought towards and, frankly, is
something I am utterly overjoyed at having reached a decision upon."
Spacey has, for some time, been in love with the Old Vic, having been taken
to the Southwark-based theatre during a childhood holiday.
His appointment was described by theatre chairman, Sir Elton John, as fantastic
news.
He said: "Kevin's talent is exceptional, but what has truly inspired
me is his passion for, and commitment to, this theatre. I know that under
his leadership, a permanent company at the theatre will bring a totally new
dynamic so that the Old Vic remains one of the most important theatres in
the world."
The concert which followed Wednesday's announcement is expected to have raised
over £700,000 towards theatre funds, with members of the audience paying
up to £1,000 each for tickets.
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