After just over 5 months of building works, we celebrated the transformation of our new home in the Colourworks on November 14 with a re-opening gala before a special performance of Sweet Smell of Success. 200 guests – Arcola funders, partners, donors, friends and artists – joined us in our spacious new foyer and café bar for food, drinks and a look at the renovations.
Among them were playwrights Timberlake Wertenbaker, Richard Bean (One Man, Two Guv’nors) and James McDonald (from the Royal Court), Nicholas Kent (the just “retired” Artistic Director of the Tricycle), writer/actor/director Femi Elufowoju (currently to be seen in Danish TV series Borgen), and musical performer Maria Friedman (Woman in White, Chicago) as well as local councillors, the Arts Council’s London senior team, 50-odd members of the press and not to forget friends and family of our fantastic Sweet Smell of Success cast and crew.
Our trustee, Jack Shepherd, spoke alongside Executive Director, Ben Todd. Mehmet Ergen had a message from Marvin Hamlisch’s widow and unveiled three posters documenting the Arcola history of the last 18 months – visit our café to find out more!
The event was supported by a number of partners and suppliers, providing food and drink as well as filming for the occasion.