Spacey to act in new Old Vic & pics
Liddiment to head co.'s commercial operation
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The Oscar winner, who plans to bow the company in the 2004-05 season, also pledged to continue his bigscreen career. "I intend to remain a film actor as well as the head of a production company,'' he told a packed press conference at the theater.
Elton John, chairman of the Old Vic Theater Trust, which owns the venue, said he was delighted at Spacey's involvement. "Kevin's talent is exceptional, but what has truly inspired me is his passion for, and commitment to, this theater."
Productions are still being discussed by board members, including Judi Dench, Richard Attenborough and "The Hours" helmer Stephen Daldry, who were all at the press conference.
Spacey says he intends to create a "new Old Vic Theater Company" to rival the success of the Donmar Warehouse and the Almeida. "It will be my personal commitment to appear in at least two productions a season," he said. "I also intend to direct."
Broadcaster ITV's ex-programming boss, David Liddiment, who has spent 27 years in television, will run the production company's commercial operation, allowing Spacey to concentrate on creative leadership.
Spacey's affection for the Old Vic began in 1998 when he performed in Howard Davies' production of "The Iceman Cometh." He has been in the U.K. frequently since then, saying, "I'm an Anglophile -- let's face it."
He added: "In no way should this decision be viewed as an abandonment of my own country. The truth is, I hope this new venture will help to continue to strengthen the cultural bridge between our two countries.''
Spacey hopes to take Old Vic productions to the U.S.
The first priority is to fix the Old Vic's leaking roof, a problem dating back to WWII, when a German bomb hit the theater.
The stage company hopes to raise $800,000 with a charity concert Wednesday night featuring John, Sting and Elvis Costello.
(Reuters contributed to this report.)
