Yvonne Arnaud Raises £65,000 for Arts Accessibility Programmes

Published on: 19 May, 2026
Updated on: 19 May, 2026

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

By Isabelle Trubshaw

The Yvonne Arnaud is celebrateing a successful fundraising Gala, raising over £65,000 to support new theatrical initiatives aimed at widening access to the arts for people across the local community.

The event, “Supper with the Stars”, welcomed over 130 people last Wednesday, including a host of national theatre legends, to raise funds for the theatre’s new Youth Theatre and future Creative Learning activity.

Alex Macqueen and Richard Stilgoe at Yvonne Arnaud Fundraising Gala

While donations are still being counted, the evening has, so far, raised over £65,000, which will help expand the growth of these programmes and widen opportunities for young people to experience the creative benefits of theatre. Notably, 50 per cent of places in the new Youth Theatre will be offered free of charge to those who may otherwise be unable to participate.

The evening featured performances from Sir Richard Stilgoe, Dillie Keane, Ricky Oakley and Patrick Stockbridge, and the theatre’s Young Company. Guests also took part in an online auction, which included of landscape painted by Dame Judi Dench, a patron of the theatre, sold for £6,900.

Matthew Kelly, Patricia Hodge, Robert Duncan at Yvonne Arnaud Fundraising Gala

Among the crowd were celebrated actors Patricia Hodge, Julian Glover, Isla Blair, Matthew Kelly, Alex Macqueen, Julia Watson, Robert Duncan and journalist Michael Buerk .

Joanna Read, Director and CEO of The Yvonne Arnaud

The Yvonne Arnaud’s Director and CEO, Joanna Read, thanked the attendees for their generosity, “This support is an investment in young people, healthy communities and an endorsement of the positive power of the arts.

Our new Youth Theatre will offer 50 per cent of places free to young people who may not, for many reasons, be able to take part. The impact of our gala last night will be felt widely, for very good reason.”