The Old Vic is launching an adopt-a-seat appeal to raise funds for essential building works.

News (via the Evening Standard) that the Old Vic is launching an appeal, headed by Lord Olivier's widow, the actress Joan Plowright, to raise over £400,000 for essential building works, has come as something of a surprise to London's theatre community.

Given that the Old Vic was lovingly restored at great expense by previous owner Ed Mirvish, the news that there is so much damp in the ceiling that it will cost something like £350,000 to deal with is a shock - as are reports of cracks running throughout the building and the need for various other works to be carried out.

The idea of adopting a seat, with a plaque attached - a good one under the circumstances - is likely to find favor with the acting profession - the actor's church, St. Paul's, Covent Garden, for example, has a wealth of plaques around the walls, commemorating the departed greats of the profession.

—by Paul Webb Theatrenow