OSCAR winner Jim Broadbent will be taking to the RSC stage in Stratford for An Evening of Words and Music for the People of Ukraine.
The one-off fund-raiser – a collaboration between the The Royal Shakespeare Company in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon musical festival and The Orchestra of the Swan – will take place at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on Sunday May 8.
It will feature live music performed by the Orchestra of the Swan, conducted by Michael Collins, as well as an inspiring programme of play readings drawn from both Shakespeare’s own works and the works of contemporary writers.
All proceeds raised from the event will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine humanitarian relief effort.
Jim’s long and distinguished career saw him pick-up an Academy Award for his role as Iris Murdoch’s husband, John Bayley in Iris, starring alongside Dame Judi Dench.
He has also appeared on the big screen in everythng from Bridget Jones’ Diary to the Harry Potter films.
On the small screen he is arguably best known as the mean-spirited police detective Roy Slater in Only Fools and Horses.
On stage he has appeared in productions for the National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Old Vic Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse and the Royal Shakespeare Company among others.
Jim will joined on stage by stage and television actor Samuel West, wose many roles include Hamlet on stage and Anthony Blunt on TV in Cambridge Spies.
RSC executive director Catherine Mallyon said: “The thoughts of the RSC are with everyone affected by the war in Ukraine and we are pleased that the Royal Shakespeare Theatre can be the venue for a moving evening of music, readings and reflection.
“We know that this humanitarian fundraising will make a difference to those finding themselves in such dreadful and difficult situations as a result of this frightening conflict.”
Tickets, priced £20 TO £50, are now on sale via the RSC box office.
Visit www.rsc.org.uk for more information and to book.
