Sir Kenneth Branagh backs renovation of Alexandra Palace’s theater

Sir Kenneth Branagh (Gilderoy Lockhart) has recently agreed to back renovations of a Victorian-era theater at Alexandra Palace in London.

Branagh has been working at the theater in rehearsals for his production of Macbeth, which will be coming to New York in June, and took a liking to the derelict theater that is in need of renovations.  Branagh was quoted as saying,

When I first saw the Victorian theater at Alexandra Palace, I was struck by discovering this well-kept secret, something lost that should certainly not be forgotten.  I look forward to seeing the theater come alive again through the work of the regeneration project.

The regeneration project is expected to cost approximately £16.8 million, and the palace has already received some funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is an organization that strives to protect and conserve important historical and cultural landmarks throughout the UK.

In addition to rehearsing at the theater, Branagh recently hosted an acting workshop for students from Heartlands High School at the theater.  Branagh said about the class,

Alexandra Palace’s learning and community outreach program was a fun way to discuss Shakespeare with a  number of talented local drama students.  It’s an impressive program.

Thanks to the Tottenham Journal for the original story!