Unicorn Theatre appeals for final funding

From left to right: Tony Graham, artistic director, Unicorn Theatre; Keith Williams, director, Keith Williams Architects; Ron Spinney, chairman, Hammerson Plc and Unicorn Children's Centre; Clive Perceval, managing director, Mansell; Mike Sewell, contracts manager, Mansell; Joanna David, actress and Unicorn Children's Centre Board member. (Photo: Adrian Brooks)

When complete, the theatre will play to over 100,000 children per year and form an international centre of excellence and a major new arts and education resource for London and beyond. The theatre will open this winter and the topping out ceremony signified the completion of major structural building works.

However, Unicorn is seeking a final £1.2m to reach its funding targets and is urging local people and businesses to join stars such as Alan Rickman and Dame Judi Dench to help raise funds for the new theatre.

Artistic director Tony Graham said: "We are edging ever closer to opening a fantastic new building that will touch the lives of families, children and schools in Southwark and London. We need one final push to reach our funding targets and hope everyone will want to get involved."

Donors will have their name (or company name) displayed in the new building along side Unicorn's celebrity backers such as Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. Magic Roundabout characters Zebedee, Florence, Brian, Dougal, Dylan, Ermintrude, Mr Rusty and Train all have individual seats following a donation by filmmakers Pathe.

To have their names displayed, donors can 'name a seat' for £1,000 or buy gold or silver bricks, for £500 or £100 respectively. Contact the Unicorn on 020 7697 1150 between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday or visit its website to make a donation.