Middle Child will soon open its purpose-built studio theatre in Hull’s vibrant Fruit Market, and one of the 65 seats has a very familiar name attached to it.
Part of the Furniture is a fundraising campaign that invites individuals and businesses to sponsor a seat in the city’s newest venue. With 49 sold in the first phase and another 16 still to be claimed, this is a unique opportunity to be part of Middle Child’s next chapter.
Alongside the names of local businesses, avid theatre-goers and even beloved pets, one plaque proudly bears a message from Sir Ian McKellen. Adored for playing iconic characters such as Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Magneto in the X-Men film series, the Hollywood actor’s support marks a significant moment for Middle Child and Hull’s wider creative scene.
Middle Child’s artistic director, Paul Smith, said: “This campaign is about far more than furniture and fundraising. The focus is on creating a venue that belongs to the people. To have Sir Ian McKellen backing what we’ve built here in Hull is incredibly special, and a real testament to the power of regional theatre.”
The launch will be the culmination of a year of hard work, with Middle Child transforming 69 Humber Street from a salon into a modern and versatile theatre space. The building work was made possible thanks to support from Wykeland, Hull City Council, Invest Hull, DCMS Create Growth and the Equity Charitable Trust.
Funds raised through Part of the Furniture directly support Middle Child’s mission to champion new writing, keep theatre accessible and create opportunities for local artists. For £200, individuals can sponsor a seat for three years. Meanwhile, businesses and organisations can secure a bespoke plaque for £500, gaining a visible presence within the venue and recognition across the theatre’s digital platforms.
The remaining 16 seats are now on-sale ahead of the opening night of the company’s new show Isabelle, written by Middle Child co-founder Marc Graham.
“This also means that for every performance, one person will be sat in Gandalf’s seat,” added Paul. “Will it be you?”
Visit middlechildtheatre.co.uk/furniture for more information and to sponsor a seat.