Hobbit star Andy Serkis was guest of honour at the launch night of a pioneering youth theatre campaign in Barnsbury.
The actor and director, who is the new president of the Young Actor’s Theatre Islington (YATI), said the 360 campaign would raise funds for young people who currently cannot afford to pay for acting classes.
He said: “I have such a personal attachment to this place so I’m going to make sure funds come in and people understand that a place like this is hugely important for young people in London.”
“I’m really honoured to have been asked to be president. There’s such a wealth of talent here.”
The theatre hopes to raise at least £10,000 to fund free places for young people from the most deprived backgrounds, so they can benefit from the life changing skills the classes provide.
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, were also present at Tuesday’s launch night to watch their daughters perform.
Mr Balls said: “This theatre has always been a theatre for the community. My three kids come here regularly, and they have a really good time.
“The theatre has got to make sure it carries on and I’m sure we’ll definitely support it.”
18-year-old Tariq Lowe, who has been going to the theatre for two years, said: “Gangs were massive when I was growing up. I was scared to go outside. Going here on the weekends gave me something to do instead of being on the streets.”
