Category Archives: causes

causes

Open letter re support for UK theatre (2020)

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An open letter has been sent to the UK Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Secretary of State for Culture, that begins: “We are concerned that British theatre is on the brink of ruin.”

There are reports that 70% of theatre venues will run out of money by the end of 2020 due to the restrictions necessary in response to the current pandemic. The letter calls for the UK government to help support the theatres and their workforce, and ensure the future of the theatre industry.

Rupert has signed the letter, along with his fellow nominees for the Olivier Awards. This includes a number of Rupert’s Dear Evan Hansen colleagues, Cassidy Janson (in Company with Rupert) and Colin Morgan (in Merlin with Rupert).

At this stage, the Dear Evan Hansen production is closed until 1 August 2020, and has been since mid March.

You can read commentary and the text of the letter at WhatsOnStage, The Guardian, and other news sites.

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Black Out Tuesday

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Rupert posted to Instagram on 3 June 2020:

I’m ashamed at how much I’ve learnt this week about my own privilege and the depth of injustice within our society. I have a lot more learning to do. It’s time to educate, listen, help, donate and stand by and elevate the voices of the black community and do everything we can to help end this ridiculous inequality. #blackouttuesday

causes

‘Self-Help’ crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter (2017)

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Forward Motion Pictures are running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to help them make a feature film, Self-Help: A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life.

Rupert has Tweeted his support for the campaign and has become a backer himself.

The two women playing the leads are Poppy Roe and Katie Brayben, who played two of Bobby’s three girlfriends in Company in 2011. Also, Rupert had a role in Forward Motion’s short film, This Love, in 2012.

I am a backer for Self-Help, too, so can only encourage you to get involved, if you possibly can! I was a backer for Forward Motion’s short film This Way Out, and not only was the film awesome, but the experience was, too. These are good and lovely people.

So, here is that Kickstarter link again!

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The Old Library Arts Centre, Acton (2014)

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Rupert has expressed his eloquent support for this project!

update: Unfortunately this bid wasn’t successful, but they did make the final two projects to be considered by the Council. Wishing the team better luck next time!

The Old Library in Acton High Street, Acton in London originally opened in 1900, with 8000 volumes of ‘wholesome literature’. Over a hundred years later the building is vacant, and the Council wants to sell it. However, rather than letting the building fall into private hands, a team is looking to keep the building fully open to the public by converting it into an Arts Centre. This would be a multi-use location supporting theatre, film, music, dance, comedy, food, and education. The plan is for the project to be entirely self-funded throughout the conversion and onwards, via the team’s fundraising efforts.

SUPPORT SOMETHING GREAT

You can read Rupert’s message on the project’s Facebook page. He said:

Acton is one of the most multi-cultural and diverse areas in London, and I believe one of the greatest things about drama and the arts is its ability to bring a community together (without prejudice and judgement.) To have this amazing arts complex – cinema, music, theatre, dance, cafe and restaurant – right in the heart of Acton, offering brilliant opportunities for people of all ages, will be a glorious and necessary addition to the High Street. It will turn Acton into a destination, and be a place where all people can come together to meet, experience, learn and excel at new skills, and…thrive.

Growing up, I was lucky to be able to go to the theatre regularly, and to take part in drama workshops. I know that without those opportunities, I would never have learned the self-confidence and the ability to communicate with people that I have today. The Old Library Arts Centre will offer the same kind of invaluable opportunities, so I fully support and back the project as a vital addition to the ongoing regeneration of Acton.

I guess no one can argue with that!

If you would like to join Rupert in supporting this project, you can:

  • Visit the team’s website and take the quick survey. Every survey taken will help the project in showing how much support exists.
  • Like the team on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
  • Get in touch and offer your help or ideas!
  • The gorgeous image is copyright by Colin Bays, and is used with great respect but without permission.