Mark Rylance stars at Northcott's fundraiser

The Exeter Northcott Theatre is proud to present its inaugural Charity Command Performance which will take place on Sunday 14 December.

The evening will bring together luminaries from stage and screen in exceptionally unique music and spoken word performances which will raise a considerable amount of money for the theatre.

Olivier-award winning actor Mark Rylance will join Dame Hilary Mantel (Mann Booker winner for her books Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies), actor partners Imogen Stubbs and Jonathan Guy Lewis, veteran actor Joss Ackland; reknowned opera singers Theresa Goble and Carlos Fidelgo and actresses Geraldine James and Vanessa Kirby who both started their careers in Exeter.

“I have heard good things about the Northcott Theatre since I became a professional actor in 1980.” Said Mark Rylance.

“Theatre thrives, of course, in populous cities like London and New York, where there are large audiences to be found but many great theatre artists who bring something new are grown far away from these cities in smaller theatrical communities that gather around a local theatre such as the Northcott. As technology connects us via computers it also isolates us physically, soulfully, sensually. The theatre, sports, music, dance, anywhere we gather together to witness a story unfold must be a good thing. Long life to the Northcott, its artists and audience.”

This inaugural Charity Command Performance brings stars to Exeter who believe passionately in the importance of regional theatre, and are doing this freely. They are doing it to remind us all how vital the experience of live theatre is, not only for those directly involved but critically, to the creative health and cultural ecologies of the communities in which we live. Live performance is one of society’s lifebloods. And it needs support.

Chair of Exeter Northcott Theatre, Lady Studholme, said: "I am thrilled that we are presenting such a range of stars who are offering their time and talents freely in support of the Exeter Northcott Theatre. They are doing this because they know how important regional theatres that are also charities need support and nurture to continue delivering high quality live performance outside London. The evening is also supported by generous auction and raffle prizes, catering and refreshment sponsorship. You will experience an exceptional and unique evening!"

With more exciting names yet to be announced, the strictly limited one-off show will include world class performances, a champagne and canapé reception, a souvenir brochure, a raffle and a bespoke auction which includes a walk on part in Doc Martin, courtesy of Martin Clunes, a painting by renowned artist Alan Cotton and a private dinner party cooked in the winners home by chefs from the Magdalen Chapter Hotel.