Fundraising Gala raises over £340,000 net income to support the next generation of artists
On Tuesday 16 June, more than 350 guests gathered at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington for LAMDA’s Fundraising Gala, bringing together supporters, alumni and leading figures from across the industry to celebrate and support the Academy’s work.
Hosted by LAMDA President Benedict Cumberbatch CBE, the Gala welcomed Sir Nigel Carrington, Chair of LAMDA’s Board, and Woody Taft, Chair of The American Friends of LAMDA (AFLAMDA), alongside alumni from across generations, corporate partners and individual supporters.
Proceeds from the evening will support LAMDA’s core programmes — including public performances, access and widening participation activity, and student mental health and wellbeing provision — as well as scholarships for emerging artists and practitioners
The Gala comes during a significant year for LAMDA. Not only does 2026 mark our 165th anniversary, the Drama School received indefinite degree awarding powers from the Office for Students, expanded its facilities with an additional 13,500 square feet of studio and office space close to its Barons Court campus, and launched a new brand identity and website.
Guests were welcomed with a reception before dinner in the V&A’s Raphael Court, home to the Raphael Cartoons commissioned for the Sistine Chapel in the 16th century.
Highlights from the evening included a medley performed by LAMDA’s Musical Theatre graduates and self-written duologues selected from the recent Graduating Actors Showcase. Guests also heard an exclusive fireside conversation with leading LAMDA alumni Benedict Cumberbatch CBE, Patricia Hodge OBE, Leah Harvey and Lee Braithwaite.
The evening concluded with a live auction led by Sotheby’s Director Felix Hale. Thanks to the generosity of prize donors, lots included luxury Caribbean holidays, private cocktail parties with Benedict Cumberbatch, lunch at The Ivy with Brian Cox and Dame Harriet Walter, and the opportunity to join Cate Blanchett on the set of her next film.
The Gala was generously supported by Transformative Sponsor Oliver Wyman; Lead Sponsors Audible, Olympia and Taft Holdings; and Core Sponsor 4C Group, alongside members of LAMDA’s wider supporter and alumni community.
Their generosity was a powerful reminder of what the LAMDA ensemble can achieve together, helping the Academy continue to invest in emerging artists and practitioners, widen access to training and opportunities, and support students throughout their time at LAMDA.
To find out more about supporting LAMDA and investing in the future of the performing arts, contact [email protected]
Photography by Madeline Bloxam.
