Kevin Spacey appointed to Old Vic

Old Vic Chairman Elton John is due to make the announcement at this week's gala fundraising concert at the theatre. Kevin Spacey fell in love with the theatre when he appeared there in The Iceman Cometh four years ago.

The 180 year old theatre needs at least £350,000 to repair the roof and Kevin Spacey is understood to have donated £100,000. He is so committed to the Old Vic that he has been in touch with the theatre by phone several times a month even when in America.

He has also been fundraising in New York towards the £10m target for a production fund. Spacey, a close friend of President Bill Clinton, is expected to persuade some of his VIP friends to come to the aid of the theatre.

Previous artistic directors at the historic theatre include Sir Jonathan Miller and Sir Peter Hall.

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