|
As film actor Kevin Spacey launches his second season as artistic director at London's Old Vic, it seems the American star is being fully embraced by his neighbours.
| Article continues below... |
|
| ADVERTISING |
The two-time Oscar winner has just received an honorary degree from London Southbank University, the academic institution just a short walk away from the historic theatre.
Wednesday's ceremony took place at Southwark Cathedral, south London, where Kevin, in full graduation regalia, was joined by fellow honourees as well as another familiar face – the chancellor of the university, veteran newsreader Trevor McDonald.
Currently starring in the Old Vic's latest production of Richard II, the star has led the drive to rejuvenate the struggling venue. And part of his efforts has included reaching out to the lower income families in the area, bringing the theatre experience to a whole new audience.
"We went around door-to-door and we discovered that within spitting distance, most of these people have never been in the Old Vic," he explained. "And I said, 'Well, why not?'." Since then, he says: "We've brought in 1,500 families in the last 11 months from the neighbourhood, either at no cost at all, or at huge discounts. We're trying to be inclusive within our neighbourhood." |
)
