Celebrating our new home
On Wednesday 14 June, our Royal Patron HRH Princess Alexandra joined stars of stage and screen to celebrate the opening of our new £28.2 million centre for drama training.
Award-winning actors David Suchet CBE, Ruth Wilson, Rory Kinnear, Paterson Joseph, Dame Janet Suzman DBE and David Haig MBE returned to LAMDA to toast the new facilities that will secure our position at the pinnacle of international conservatoire training.
Guests including Neil Gaiman enjoyed a glimpse of the work that goes on behind-the-scenes here at LAMDA, before taking in a performance in The Sainsbury Theatre. Named in recognition of Sir Simon Sainsbury, the Sainsbury Family and The Monument Trust, this is one of two new public performance spaces that our redevelopment brings to west London. The second, The Carne Studio Theatre, is named for long-time LAMDA scholarship supporters and friends, Philip Carne MBE and Christine Carne. Together these venues provide a platform for the next generation of actors, directors and technicians, and offer the residents of Hammersmith, Fulham and neighbouring Boroughs increased access to the dramatic arts.
Our redevelopment was made possible by our Act Now! Campaign – the most ambitious and successful fundraising campaign in LAMDA history. Almost a thousand supporters contributed to the campaign; with support ranging from £5 donations made online by friends, audiences and members of the public to a £2.1 million lead gift. We were delighted that so many of our lead Act Now! supporters were able to join the celebration last night, including Stewart Grimshaw and The Monument Trust, Philip Carne MBE and Christine Carne, Manny and Brigitta Davidson and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Taking a moment to thank the individuals, trusts and foundations who donated to our redevelopment, LAMDA Chairman and Chair of the Act Now! Campaign, Shaun Woodward said: “This has been an amazing four years raising huge amounts of money and building a new future for the Academy. Our donors’ generosity has been stunning. And we’ve had incredible support from so many people inspired by the international reputation of LAMDA’s training. It’s just been a great success story!”
Principal Joanna Read commented: “The United Kingdom leads the way in conservatoire training, and LAMDA is the trailblazer; an innovator that sets the standards others follow. The industry is stronger for the individuals LAMDA trains; the art form richer for the work our graduates go on to create. Thanks to the generosity of so many, our new facilities will ensure that our students and practitioners continue to shape the future of the dramatic arts.”
