Stars and supporters unite for LAMDA's Transformation Gala

On Thursday 13 June, LAMDA and its supporters came together in spectacular fashion at a prestigious venue on the South Bank for its 2024 fundraising gala. The black-tie event, hosted by acclaimed actor and LAMDA President, Benedict Cumberbatch, was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate LAMDA’s recent successes and raise vital funding for the school’s future. 

The Transformation Gala, LAMDA’s most ambitious gala to date, welcomed 315 guests to the South Bank, including Gala Co-Chairs, The Rt Hon. Shaun Woodward (also LAMDA’s Chair) and Katie Channon, as well as LAMDA supporters, corporate sponsors, alumni of all generations, current students, Trustees and staff, all of whom are committed to supporting the school’s bold vision for the future.

LAMDA remains particularly grateful to our Lead Sponsors – Audible, Oliver Wyman and Olympia – as well as our Core Sponsors – Accenture, RD Studios, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and Triple E – for their outstanding support of this flagship event. 

The evening featured live entertainment, including a stunning opera performance from internationally renowned soprano Sondra Radvanovsky. A vibrant display of LAMDA’s world-class training followed, with our inaugural cohort of Musical Theatre students performing ‘A New World’ from Songs for a New World and ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman, and LAMDA Acting students performing two duologues selected from our recent Graduating Actors Showcase.

Later on, there was a surprise comedy sketch performed by beloved LAMDA alumni and esteemed actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Brian Cox and Nicole Ansari, Alan Cox, Rosalind Eleazar, Leah Harvey, Rory Kinnear, Ekow Quartey, Dame Janet Suzman and Dame Harriet Walter. 

Throughout the evening guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, silent and live auctions, and heartfelt speeches highlighting the school’s vision and needs. The auction, one of the evening’s highlights, saw spirited bidding on items ranging from exotic vacations to exclusive dining experiences, all generously donated by a wide array of LAMDA alumni and individual and corporate supporters. 

The evening was a huge success, achieving gross total income of almost £500,000 – a result that will have a transformational impact on LAMDA’s current and future students.

Professor Mark O’Thomas, CEO and Principal of LAMDA, expressed profound gratitude to all those who supported this ambitious venture: “We are deeply moved by the generosity shown by everyone who attended the Gala. The funds raised will significantly impact our students’ experience at LAMDA, providing them with enhanced resources and opportunities.” 

Supporters’ generous contributions will strengthen LAMDA’s core activities, such as our public performance programme, access & widening participation work, and student mental health and wellbeing provision, as well as provide vital scholarships for students in financial need.

The overwhelming success of the Transformation Gala has set a high bar for future fundraising events and is an important symbol of LAMDA’s commitment to the development of its talented students from all backgrounds.  

If you would like to learn more about ways to support and invest in LAMDA, please contact [email protected]