Mark P. Reed of the Brentwood Theatre in Essex has sent out another update on the progress of the building of the backstage facilities of the theatre of which Stephen Moyer is patron.
The Vault and the Billsbabes are happy to support to fundraiser and we will continue to do so.
Mark P. Reed, Administrator of the Brentwood Theatre:
Mark P. Reed
“We are delighted to have recently received a further donation of USD351 from the fans of our wonderful Patron, Stephen Moyer, who have been selling a series of t-shirts – and donating the profits to Stephen’s favourite Theatre thousands of miles away in Brentwood, Essex.
Through the Golden-Globe winning TRUE BLOOD, the Billericay-born actor has earned a legion of fans who have backed his call to support Brentwood’s unique community theatre. Many of them have purchased engraved bricks – shortly to be officially unveiled – raising over £5,000 of the final £400,000 raised in the past four years to ensure that proper backstage facilities, an office and, most importantly, a new multi-use space, The Audrey Longman Studio, were completed.
The first gift from America was made by Jean Armitage who was inspired to donate having heard Stephen’s interview on Phoenix 98 FM – which is still playable here.
It was natural to sign Jean, a former fundraiser for a university in NYC, as Volunteer Fundraising Co-Ordinator to lead the fan-based effort. Hundreds of American and international fans responded, each receiving a personal thanks from Stephen.
Brentwood Theatre
Jean wanted to ‘meet’ the yellow and blue theatre, and joined the team at Brentwood for a three-week holiday. ‘I had such a good time meeting all the volunteers and staff and seeing lots of different shows, as well as seeing the completion of the building works. Brentwood Theatre is an amazing venue for a variety of presentations : top-notch tech, flexible staging and seating, and yet an intimacy that provided the audience with a first-rate experience.
‘It was a joy to get my good friend Mark to take some time off to show me the beautiful county of Essex!! As a ‘thank you’ for helping to get the fundraiser underway, many of the Theatre’s Trustees treated me like royalty opening home and hearth, as well as taking me to visit its many attractions. I was especially taken with Ingatestone Hall, the ancestral home of Sir William Petre, who served as Secretary to four Tudor monarchs. Lord Petre’s son, Dominic, welcomed me into his home where he and his family live within the ancient walls.
‘I also went to Billericay (to see about their connection with The Mayflower), Cressing temple, Maldon, Colchester and, of course, David Z’s great narrow boat and enjoyed a trip down the canals of Chelmsford.
‘We rounded off the holiday with a trip to see the West End production of Wicked – a treat to see the evolution of a show from when I attended opening night on Broadway to the joyful show it is now. And it was great to meet Caroline Keiff who attributes so much to Brentwood Theatre where she performed regularly as a youngster, winning a Brent for her performance in Anne of Green Gables, and who was playing Nessa Rose.
I made many friends.’
Do look out for True Blood which is going to be shown on UKFX imminently and is due to start on Channel 4 in the autumn. Stephen can also be seen late nights on Channel 4 playing the lead on NY-LON, currently being repeated.
In TRUE BLOOD, Stephen Moyer plays a vampire opposite co-star Anna Paquin who won an Oscar as a child for her performance in The Piano and recently the Golden Globe for her outstanding work as the telepathic waitress in True Blood. For more details click here www.hbo.com/trueblood.
The t-shirts – there are many to choose from and all with reference to the characters in TRUE BLOOD can be purchased from www.trueblood-online.com – and, of course, your favourite theatre benefits too!”
Mark P. Reed
The T-shirts and other True Blood related merchandise can be found in the Billsbabe’s Shoppe.
A few examples:
Read more about the Billbabes.
Read more about the Brentwood Theatre
Hell to the yes! Way to represent girls! I’m so glad there’s still ample opportunity to show our SM support. Thanks Shad for setting up the shop.
[Reply]
Go Billsbabes! How great of Mark to make mention like that. He seems like a nice chap (am I British now?), and we know it’s all for such a worthy cause.
[Reply]
Congrats to the Billsbabes! It’s great to support such a fantastic cause, The Brentwood Theatre.
If Mark ever comes to the U.S. – we all must get together with him. He’s such a great guy ! It was so nice of him to mention us.
Keep up the good work Billsbabes and fans alike. You can contribute by purchasing an item in the Billsbabes Store.
[Reply]
Dorothea (LISMlvr) Reply:
May 26th, 2009 at 0:56
Hmmmm? We must ALL get together?
[Reply]
Shadaliza Reply:
May 26th, 2009 at 8:01
Why not? Start saving those pennies.
[Reply]
SterlingSilverCharm Reply:
May 26th, 2009 at 15:03
Don’t be s wise guy LISM. I will send a representative in my stead. LOLOL !!
[Reply]
Dorothea (LISMlvr) Reply:
May 26th, 2009 at 15:31
I knew it!
[Reply]
And how lovely of the Billsbabes to continue to support our wonderful little endeavor!!!
Mark is indeed one of my very good friends, and we’ll surely let you know if he finds time to come to the USA, which he is hoping to do at some point! But I know Mark, he has his hands in almost everything, right up to the shoulders! I was just thrilled to be able to get him away for the theatre for a few hours at a time, LOL!
Sure hope you saw the LA TIMES article that mentions Sookie being the first Billsbabe… http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-true-blood7-2009jun07,0,4462352.story?page=1
And I swear to golly, I just flipped on a random HBO channel, and there’s Sookie running though the Graveyard to Bill!!
Well, now Im signing off!!! Must go watch!
THANK AGAIN to all of you for your great support and Here’s to Season Two!
Excelsior!
Jean
Jean Armitage
Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator
Brentwood Theatre, Essex, UK
[Reply]