The 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala is one of the most exhilarating and glamorous evenings in London’s theatre calendar.
The 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala is in aid of The Old Vic Theatre Trust, a Charity set up to ensure the theatre’s future as a producing house and to safeguard the heritage of our 193-year old iconic building. We make world-class theatre for all to enjoy. Through Old Vic New Voices, our award-winning education and community department, we mentor the next generation of creative talent and address poverty of aspiration among young people.
The ultimate theatrical challenge. A host of well-known actors, directors and writers join forces to write, rehearse and perform six short plays in just 24 hours, culminating in a unique performance hosted by a special guest, for our Gala audience on one of the world’s most celebrated stages.
Past participants and hosts have included Richard Armitage, Kelly Brook, Gael Garcia Bernal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Jim Broadbent, Saffron Burrows, John Cleese, Richard Curtis, Joseph Fiennes, Stephen Fry, Tom Hardy, Josh Hartnett, Tom Hollander, Lesley Manville, Nick Moran, James Nesbitt, Graham Norton, Rosamund Pike, Rufus Sewell, Brooke Shields, Kevin Spacey, Catherine Tate, Dominic West, Richard Wilson, Vince Vaughn and many more. Cast to be announced for this year.
Since Kevin Spacey became Artistic Director, OVNV has engaged with over 25,000 young people through master classes and workshops. More than 86,031 people have taken advantage of our £12 tickets for under 25s. More than 31,916 16-25 year olds have signed up to Ideas Tap, a new creative online network and funding body for emerging arts talent. More than 11,467 residents in our local community have visited The Old Vic for just £5 or for free; all this is part of our commitment to our neighbours in Southwark and Lambeth.
The Old Vic receives no government subsidy. We so appreciate your support in enabling this work to flourish and grow by buying tickets for this event.
The 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala is a co-production with The 24 Hour Company.
Photos by Manuel Harlan
