Ben Whishaw and Aimee Lou Wood to star in Theatre 503 fundraiser

Aimee Lou Wood and Ben Whishaw will perform at a one-night fundraiser for Theatre 503, which its artistic director has called a "rallying cry" for the future of the venue. 

Wood and Whishaw will lead a script-in-hand reading of Debris, acclaimed writer Dennis Kelly’s first play, which began life at Theatre 503 and kickstarted Kelly’s career back in 2003. 

The evening, scheduled for 4th March, will also include a Q&A with the cast and other guests on the importance of new writing for theatre.

All proceeds will go directly towards the 64-seat London theatre’s work with emerging playwrights. 

Artistic director and co-chief executive Anthony Simpson-Pike and executive director and co-chief executive Emily Carewe said: "‘Theatre503 is a launchpad for the UK’s most exciting writing talent - a place where bold new voices begin.

"We’re proud to return to Dennis Kelly’s Debris for this special event celebrating the power of a debut play, and thrilled to welcome the brilliant Ben and Aimee. 

"This event is both a celebration of our past and a rallying cry for what comes next - a future made possible by vital support from those who believe in our small but mighty theatre," the pair added. 

The Cinema in the Power Station, a nearby cinema in Battersea, has backed the initiative and is co-presenting the fundraiser. 

"As venues that share the same goal of showcasing entertainment, escapism and creativity, we couldn’t think of a better event to support our neighbour," a spokesperson for the cinema said.