Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to auction gown of Dame Judi Dench
The Guildford theatre has launched the Play Your Part fundraising campaign
Last updated 10th Jun 2024
An outfit worn by Dame Judi Dench at the Oscars is being auctioned to raise money for the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.
The gown was created especially by Sandeep Kholsa and Abu Jani for the 2006 Academy Awards where Dame Judi was nominated as Best Actress for Mrs Henderson Presents.
It’s one of a number of prizes available to bid on, including a solo flight with a fighter pilot, a signed Shane Warne cricket ball, and a part in this year’s pantomime.
Multi award-winning actress Dame Judi is patron of the Yvonne Arnaud, and spoke of her affection for the theatre:
“I love the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and I have very happy memories of playing there in the past.”
“I do hope my beautiful gown will raise some money for the vital funds to renovate this wonderful theatre.”
The money is being raised for a major capital refurbishment of the building, which will make the theatre more accessible, sustainable and generally fit for purpose for the community and future generations.
David Beal, the theatre’s director of development, says the fundraising will particularly benefit young people in the local area:
“We welcome large numbers of audience every year to the to the theatre to come and see the shows, but our community and outreach work reaches underrepresented and vulnerable people in the community.”
“The Creative learning department work with local special needs schools, Surrey Young Carers and a variety of other groups of young people who benefit hugely from the work that they do.”
“One of the pieces of work we're going to do is the refurbishment of the top floor circle bar, which will become a multi-purpose soundproofed space for all of that community outreach work.”
The auction and prize draw are live now, with bidding due to close at 10.30pm on Tuesday 18 June.
For more information and to start bidding head to www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or https://ww2.emma-live.com/yvonnearnaud/list_lots.
There will be a separate live auction and gala at the Arnaud on Tuesday 18 June.