Slater leads the way in Old Vic 24 Hour Plays

Published Thursday 25 October 2007 at 10:45 by Matt Trueman

Christian Slater, Fiona Shaw and Ronnie Corbett will take to the Old Vic stage for the 24 Hour Plays Celebrity Gala 2007.

Joining the trio are Stephen Mangan, Sam West, Stephen Campbell Moore, Ralf Little and Sharon Small as well as comedians Ronni Ancona and Rob Brydon. Having been involved as a writer in 2004, Kwame Kwei-Armah returns as an actor for this year’s event, which culminates in a gala performance to be hosted by Corbett on November 11.

Wilson Milam, who is currently directing Slater in Swimming With Sharks, will take part alongside directors Josie Rourke, Anna Mackmin and Matt Wilde. Writers involved include Frozen author Bryony Lavery, Nina and Moses Raine and Laura Wade.

Starting on the evening of November 10, stars will have 24 hours in which to create, rehearse and perform six short plays from scratch. The annual event raises money for the Old Vic’s New Voices scheme aimed at young and emerging artists. Last year’s gala raised £120,000 for the project. Previous participants include Vince Vaughn, Jim Broadbent and Brooke Shields.