St Martin-in-the-Fields
St Martin-in-the-Fields is a landmark church in the heart of London’s West End; known and loved in the UK and around the world for its beautiful music, services, and inspiring work with homeless and vulnerable people.
For this unique project St Martin-in-the-Fields partnered with the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company and West End theatre company Fiery Angel to host a fundraising dinner and auction in aid of St Martin’s. We were honoured that both Dame Judi Dench and Sir Kenneth Branagh agreed to be Gala Patrons for this very special occasion.
As part of this collaboration, celebrated contemporary artist Alexander Newley created a series of portraits of actors from the 2016 Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company season. The portraits of Dame Judi Dench, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Sir Derek Jacobi, Adrian Lester, Lily James and Richard Madden were then at the centre of a live auction conducted by Lord Archer on the night itself. Set in the stunning 18th century Crypt at St Martin’s, guests were treated to a very special performance from the world-class St Martin’s Voices, compered by BBC Radio 4’s Zeb Soanes.
Act IV consulted on all aspects of fundraising and event organisation with St Martin’s, including budget, design and production, Committee management, and a creative approach to fundraising on the night. The evening was a huge success – exceeding fundraising expectations and cultivating a new audience for St Martin-in-the-Fields.
“Working with Act IV was an absolute pleasure. The team enabled us to arrange a wonderful gala event and were a constant reassuring presence offering us sensible advice, full event management and a charming amount of cajoling to ensure we met our goals for the evening. We are looking forward to working with the team again for a future event.”
Katy Shaw, Development Director, St Martin-in-the-Fields
Photos by Marc Gascgoine