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Spacey to front London theatre
LONDON, England -- Hollywood superstar Kevin Spacey has made a major commitment to the British arts in a bid to save one of London's most famous theatres. The Oscar-winning star of "American Beauty" will appear twice a year at the historic Old Vic as well as become its artistic director. In addition, he will become director of a new theatre company and will bring major stars to the stage as well as nurturing new talent. He conceded his new role will demand a "significant commitment" in terms of time, but he stressed he would not be giving up movies or quitting America for good. "It will be my personal commitment to appear in at least two productions a season. I also intend to direct," he said. Spacey, 43, is already a trustee at the Old Vic and graced the stage in 1998 in an acclaimed production of Eugene O'Neill's "The Ice Man Cometh." He said his connection with the 185-year-old south London theatre began as a child when his parents began bringing him to London and he recalls seeing Shakespeare performed on the stage. He said: "To have grown up to act on the stage itself was a dream come true. "To find myself in the role of director of the Old Vic Theatre is beyond my wildest imaginings." Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said: "In no way should this decision be viewed as abandonment of my own country. "The truth is I hope this new venture will help continue to strengthen the cultural bridge between our two countries for there could not be greater allies than the relationship enjoyed between the United States and the United Kingdom. "In addition to the theatre being my primary allegiance I am a film actor as well and I intend to remain a film actor, as well as the head of a production company. "However, I do not underestimate the level of commitment this project is going to require of me. "It is something that I feel deeply about, have put over two years of thought towards and frankly is something I am utterly overjoyed at having reached a decision upon." Some of Britain's leading thespians have tread the boards at the historic theatre, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Alec Guinness and Vivien Leigh. But the Old Vic is decaying and needs repairs. The roof leaks, walls have grown mould and cracks can be seen between the bricks and masonry.
With Spacey when he announced his new role was Sir Elton John, who becomes chairman of the Old Vic Theatre Trust. Sir Elton said: "I've never met anyone as enthusiastic about a project as Kevin is about this. "He's so passionate and I believe in it so much -- that's why I joined as chairman. "I cannot emphasise enough what he's going to give to this theatre -- otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here." Later, Spacey joined celebrity guests for a gala fund-raising concert to boost the theatre's repair coffers, with performances by Sir Elton, Sting and singer and actress Courtney Love -- who was arrested and cautioned by police at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday after allegedly abusing cabin crew on an aircraft as she flew into Britain. (Full story)
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