Wilton’s, the last surviving grand music hall in the world, is launching a public appeal to raise funds for the second phase of its extensive renovation. The £1.1 million works on the roofs, basement, soundproofing, ventilation and electrics are now complete, as signalled by the opening of ‘The Great Gatsby’, Peter Joucla’s stage adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Wilton’s is to be transformed for the play, with areas of the hall made into settings inspired by the play and live 1920s jazz both during and after the performance. Additional funds are now being raised to complete vital work on the front of house area of Wilton’s. Made up of five Georgian houses, there are still leaky roofs, rooms without floors and walls falling down; after renovation, this area will comprise four new studios, enabling Wilton’s to accommodate more ambitious productions and to have a bar and café open all day. Members of the public can donate £10 to conserve a brick, £50 for a roof slate and £5,000 to conserve a whole fireplace. David Suchet, patron of the project, said: “Wilton’s is a place that is very dear to my heart and I am thrilled that Wilton’s is so close to being saved once and for all.

Telephone: 020 7702 278

Website: www.wiltons.org.uk