Theatres and audiences up and down the country have been coming together to fundraise for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and for Ukrainian refugees. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the things we know theatres are doing, so that you can support them if you wish!
Theatres up and down the country have been doing bucket collections for charities helping Ukrainians in the country and those who have left, so keep an eye out at your local theatre the next time you go. We’re doing our very own collections down at our TKTS booth so whether you’re buying a ticket or you’re heading through Leicester Square for another reason, you can always donate there.
The Royal Opera House has been playing the Ukrainian national anthem before all performances, and have a number of online and in-person conerts coming up to fundraise for Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Concert For Ukraine will be on 15 April; Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv joins Music Director of The Royal Opera Antonio Pappano to conduct singers from Ukraine as well as around the world.
On Thursday 5 May 2022, at 7.30pm, The Royal Ballet presents an additional and very special fundraising performance of Swan Lake, and From Friday 22 April 2022, audiences can watch an online stream of Crystal Pite’s critically acclaimed Flight Pattern, for a minimum of £7, but additional donations are encouraged. Find out more about the Royal Opera House’s fundraising plans here.
The London Coliseum, seen below covered in the Ukrainian flag, put together the Dance Ukraine concert, reuniting former Royal Ballet stars Ivan Putrov (Ukraine) and Alina Cojocaru (Romania) and bringing together an array of international dance stars for this fundraising gala last Friday.
The Polka Theatre in Wimbledon has been supporting their local partner the Polish Family Association in sharing and collecting for their practical and fundraising efforts to support refugees. You can find their fundraiser here.
Andrea McLean and Robin Cousins MBE will host a star-studded fundraising concert for UNICEF’s Ukraine Emergency Fund on Monday 28 March at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne. Performers include AJ & Curtis Pritchard, Ellie Fergusson, Chloe Hewitt and Abbie Quinnen. They will be joined by Giovanni Spano, Sally Ann Triplett, Kelly Price, James Gillan, Ray Shell, Lydia Lucy and Andrew Derbyshire. You can get tickets here and the event will be streamed on stream.theatre here.
Both theatre union Equity and the Musicians’ Union have also pledged their support; Equity’s International Committee for Artists’ Freedom has pledged £10,000 to support Ukrainian artists affected by the war and The Musicians’ Union has donated £10,000 on behalf of its members to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.