The auction specialists Bid-In Group is showing its support to the theatre and performing arts industry with the launch of the Theatre Super Auction, raising much-needed funds for the Theatres Trust, Acting for Others and Theatre Artists Fund.
Funds raised from this event will be donated directly to the charities and organisations involved whose businesses have been suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic. The organisation has run several hugely successful online auctions during lockdown for Scrubs Glorious Scrubs, Global Radio and 50 Best For Recovery, raising almost £2.5 million while donating their services free of charge.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Judi Dench, Joan Collins, Michael Ball, Whoopi Goldberg, Alexandra Burke and Martin McDonagh are among dozens of celebrities offering up their treasured personal possessions and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences to raise money.
Amongst some of the incredible items available to bid for, Andrew Lloyd Webber has generously donated two VIP tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway (the prize also includes two BA Business Class flights and a three-night stay in a New York hotel).
Miriam Margolyes has offered tea at home as well as some incredible Harry Potter memorabilia. There are unique lots from David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Valentino jewellery from Joan Collins and the opportunity to watch the English National Ballet from the wings. In addition, Martin McDonagh has offered his own hand annotated shooting script of Three Billboards, his BAFTA Award-winning film.
TV soap fans could enjoy a Super Lunch with the cast of Britain’s longest-running soap opera Coronation Street and also another with EastEnders. The bumper auction also features Gary Kemp’s handwritten lyrics to the song ‘True’, along with lunch with Gary and Martin Kemp.
Judi Dench said: “We greatly appreciate this exciting fund raiser to support the arts. The work of the theatrical charities is vitally important to help our industry survive and the Theatre Super Auction is a wonderful way support our cause.”
Cassidy Janson added: “Watching the effect of Covid-19 hit the theatre industry so dramatically has been devastating for myself and my work colleagues who have built our entire careers and indeed lives around our profession – a profession whose essence is the upliftment of others. This auction will help assist our industry’s individuals and the theatres themselves until we can get back to doing just that.”
The auction is designed to be accessible to everyone; alongside the opportunity to bid for some of these fantastic items, anyone can instead pledge a donation to the cause and will immediately enter a prize draw for the chance to win some incredible prizes. The auction closes at 10pm on Sunday 26 July 2020.
As our theatres nationwide remain closed, the 290,000 people employed within the UK industry are unable to return to work. Many of these people are self-employed or freelancers and aren’t eligible for any of the Government schemes, leaving them without any means of financially supporting themselves and their families.
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