RADA Celebrates 100 Years Of Drama

RADA Celebrates 100 Years Of Drama

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) celebrates one hundred years at the forefront of drama training.

On 25th April 1904, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree established the Academy of Dramatic Art at His Majesty's Theatre in the Haymarket. The following year the school moved to the now famous Gower Street site, and in 1920 received its Royal Charter. Now, in its 100th year Nicholas Barter (Principal), Lord Attenborough (President) and RADA Chairman John Whitney embark on a programme of celebration and continued vital fund-raising.

RADA is the centre of vocational training, equipping not only actors, but also stage managers and technical craft specialists, for careers at the highest level in theatre, television, film and radio.

The Academy, which has an enviable broad selection policy, sees many of its graduates achieve great prominence in the profession. RADA alumni who have gone on to achieve immense recognition in the arts include Michael Blakemore, Joan Collins, Ralph Fiennes, Sir John Gielgud, David Harewood, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Charles Laughton, Mike Leigh, Steve MacFadden, Alan Rickman, Dame Diana Rigg, Dame Flora Robson, Mark Rylance, Athene Seyler, Juliet Stevenson and Nicholas Wright.

A series of events and festivities will mark the Centenary.

RADA Season at the National Film Theatre: 2 - 9 May
The National Film Theatre is to present a short season of films, all of which have RADA connections. Opening with Truly, Madly, Deeply (a Q&A with Alan Rickman, Juliet Stevenson will follow the screening on 3 May) the season will include The Dresser, Hitchcock's Stage Fright, Mike Leigh's All or Nothing, and a preview of My House in Umbria, scripted by Hugh Whitemore and starring Timothy Spall, both RADA alumni. RADA President Lord Attenborough will introduce a special showing of the original film of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion on May 8th.

Gala Screening at NFT: Sunday 9 May
There will be a Gala screening of the silent movie, Masks and Faces, starring Irene Vanbrugh. The film, directed by Fred Paul, was made in 1917 as a fund-raiser for the Academy. The screening will include the world première of the late Michael Kamen's last complete musical composition - an accompaniment to Masks and Faces - which was written especially for this event. National Film Theatre Box Office: 020 7928 3232.

Royal Centenary Lunch: Tuesday 8 June
In the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, there will be a Lunch at the Mansion House to celebrate the Centenary, which will include musical and poetry presentations by RADA students. Further information for this event will be released nearer the time.

RADA Enterprises Fund-Raising Lunch: Friday 9 July
Sponsored by Sterling Insurance, RADA is hosting a star-studded Fund-raising Lunch at the Savoy Hotel. Further information for this event will be released nearer the time.

RADA Associates Event: Sunday 3 October
A Centenary Celebration, featuring several generations of RADA graduates - a rare opportunity for connoisseurs of the craft of acting. Tickets are available through the RADA Box Office: 0207 908 4800. Further information for this event will be released nearer the time.

Four Enchanted Evenings: 7 - 10 November
Four unique fund-raising dinners with cabaret at RADA's new Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre. The cabaret for the evenings will feature West End and Broadway performers, and be directed by Hugh Wooldridge. Each show will include special appearances by RADA alumni and other celebrity performers as special guests. Further information for this event will be released nearer the time.