Gillian Lynne centenary marked with launch of new ‘legacy key’ tradition

A landscape painting by Judi Dench has sold for £6,900 at a fundraising gala held by the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, helping to raise more than £65,000 for the Guildford venue’s youth theatre and creative learning programmes.

The artwork, donated by the theatre’s patron, was the highlight of an online auction held on 13th May, during the theatre’s onstage Supper with the Stars event.

About 130 guests attended the fundraiser, which featured performances from Dillie Keane, Ricky Oakley, Patrick Stockbridge and the theatre’s young company.

Guests attending the evening included Patricia Hodge, Julian Glover, Isla Blair, Matthew Kelly, Alex Macqueen, Julia Watson, Michael Buerk and Robert Duncan.

Funds raised from the gala will support the launch of the Yvonne Arnaud’s new youth theatre and future creative learning activity. The organisation has said that 50% of the places in the new programme would be offered free to young people who might otherwise be unable to participate.

Joanna Read, director and chief executive of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, said the support shown during the evening was “an investment in young people, healthy communities and an endorsement of the positive power of the arts”.

Donations and pledges from the event are still being counted, with the final fundraising total expected to rise further.