Kevin Spacey: “Every community should have a JW3”

Hollywoood star Kevin Spacey praised JW3’s work in encouraging the arts during his much-anticipated appearance at the new community centre this week.

The double Oscar winner (pictured with JW3 founder Dame Vivien Duffield) took part in a public conversation with BBC creative director Alan Yentob on Monday night, a highlight of JW3’s inaugural season.

The Old Vic Theatre artistic director, who starred in films including The Usual Suspects and American Beauty, spoke of JW3’s wide-ranging programme and urged it to include as much theatre as possible. He said: “Every community should have a community theatre. Go round your area and get people in to do workshops as we do at the Old Vic.”

Supporting the actor’s plea for more backing for theatre and arts-related education, Yentob said: “It is up to you (at JW3) to spread the story.”