Sir Sam Mendes spearheads fund for theatre workers at ‘breaking point’

Sir Sam Mendes Credit: PA

Sir Sam Mendes is spearheading a fund to help people working in the theatre industry in need of emergency financial support.

The fund has been established with a £500,000 donation from Netflix and counts Steven Spielberg, Armando Iannucci and David Walliams among its supporters.

The fund is “specifically designed for theatre workers who find themselves at breaking point, for those unable to put food on the table or to pay bills, or for those considering leaving the profession altogether”.

  • The fund offers grants up to £1,000 per applicant

  • It is designed to support freelance artists who have been ineligible for Government aid

  • It comes as the Government announced a £1.57 billion support package to “protect” the future of Britain’s arts.

Director Sam Mendes (centre left) on the set of '1917' Credit: PA

The multiple award winner called for funding from individual donors and organisations, saying: “Please do consider a donation. I promise it will make a difference.”

Theatres and concert halls have been cleared to reopen but not for live performances. Find out more about the fund here.