Kenneth Branagh, Imelda Staunton & More Voice Support for Tricycle Theatre's 'Name A Seat' Campaign

Adrian Lester, Tricycle Theatre Ambassador, is joined by actors including Kenneth Branagh, Jim Carter, Gina McKee, Imelda Staunton and Meera Syal in support of the Tricycle Theatre's Capital Project which will see the theatre undergo a period of redevelopment over the coming year.

Adrian Lester: "Under the leadership of Indhu Rubasingham, the Tricycle has blossomed as a venue in and for the community whilst proving itself as an incredible production powerhouse which rivals any UK theatre. I am delighted to be supporting this campaign that will lead to the transformation of the auditorium, with increased capacity, improved sightlines, greater accessibility and a better experience for both audiences and actors alike."

The public launch of the theatre's Name a Seat fundraising campaign will see 280 seats go on sale today at £1,000 each. This coincides with a wider project launch which will see the Tricycle host a public open day on Thursday 2 June where audiences and members of the public can take a tour of the building with Chapman Waterworth, the capital project architects, to see what the plans involve.

Gina McKee: "The Tricycle is a unique and special place. The crucial upgrade to the building means the invaluable work created at the Tricycle will have a brighter future. Please support the capital project."

Kenneth Branagh: "It is wonderful that this renovation will allow the Tricycle's auditorium to be transformed into a state of the art, world-class theatre that truly reflects the quality of the work being produced on its stage."

The plans will provide a venue that matches the Tricycle's artistic achievements, allowing it to produce work that is more ambitious in quality, range and scope. By re-designing the theatre's auditorium, backstage and front of house spaces, the Tricycle will also fulfil its desire to become an accessible venue open to all. Each year the Tricycle delivers more than 21,000 learning experiences for young people and the transformation will also offer an enhanced venue for this audience.

Key highlights of the capital development project include a fully upgraded larger theatre with a new stage and seating - with 50 additional seats; a new air cooling system; easier and greater access for wheelchair users throughout the building both front of house and backstage; and a new café space at the heart of improved customer facilities across the front of house areas.

Meera Syal: "Theatre is about seeing things differently, about hearing stories that help us to understand who we are. The Tricycle plays a crucial role in supporting playwrights from all walks of life, providing a platform for their voices to be heard."

Imelda Staunton: "By transforming the theatre, the Tricycle can realise its vision to become a venue that is truly accessible for all, where everyone can feel welcome and enjoy a great night out."

In addition to being able to Name a Seat in the new auditorium for £1,000, other ways to donate include Make Your Mark whereby donors' names will be artistically displayed as part of a bespoke design within the front of house area for £5,000; or Give a Gift, where the public can donate anything from £1 to £999. For further information or to make a donation please see www.tricycle.co.uk/tricycletransformed.

Jim Carter: "In refurbishing the theatre and front of house spaces with this ambitious and exciting project, the Tricycle is reaffirming its place at the heart of Kilburn for the local community."

To date, the Tricycle has raised £5.5 million and requires a further £750,000 to complete the project. Arts Council England has contributed £3.1 million to the project in addition to generous support from trusts and foundations including the Backstage Trust, The City of London Corporation's charity, City Bridge Trust, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Lyon's Charity, Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust, Sir Siegmund Warburg Voluntary Settlement and the Wolfson Foundation.