Kevin Spacey and Elton John at Old Vic

Elton John, the new chair of the Old Vic board, is anxious to raise some money for essential repairs to the theatre which will celebrate its bi-centenary in the next decade.

The exclusive event, with just a thousand seats available, is expected to raise up to £700,000. A date in late January or February is being considered by the two stars.

At the weekend we reported that plans to temporarily split the Old Vic aditorium into two performance spaces are under consideration.

• Old Vic Theatre