Nottingham’s internationally famous and Beeston-born fashion designer, Sir Paul Smith, helped raise £18,000 for Nottingham Playhouse at his recent ‘Audience with …’ events.
Sir Paul reached out to Nottingham Playhouse to offer his support after Nottingham City Council funding cuts in March this year. All ticket sales from the events, and a bucket collection on the day, resulted in a whopping £18,000 being raised.
Two events were held on 15 October, with acclaimed journalist and author Richard Williams, interviewing Sir Paul on stage. The virtually sold-out audiences were rapt as Sir Paul told fascinating stories from his life, his career and how he has maintained independence and longevity for the business. He also managed to squeeze in a book-signing in the city in the same day, demonstrating his incredible energy levels and passion for work.
Stephanie Sirr, Chief Executive at Nottingham Playhouse, said:
“We are so grateful to Sir Paul for his very generous support, and are really thrilled with the total raised. It’s a significant sum which will directly impact the work we do in the community.
“Sir Paul has done so much to showcase and support creativity in the city, the UK and internationally. It was wonderful to hear him speak in person, so humbly, about how important it is to encourage creative minds to flourish.”
Sir Paul Smith was an avid cyclist until he was 17, when a road accident put paid to his competitive dreams. Through a new friendship group, Paul found himself amongst a new world of creatively minded young people and from there embarked on a life-long journey of discovery and exploration in design, music and fashion.
From its origins in one small shop in Nottingham, Paul Smith has grown into a global business, selling to five continents, over 70 countries and 3,000 shops. Famous for men’s and women’s tailoring, clothing and accessories collections, Paul Smith specialises in an inventive use of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design to create beautifully made, modern pieces.
Richard Williams grew up in Nottingham, where he trained as a reporter on the Evening Post before moving to London in 1969. He has written about music and sport while on the staff of The Times, The Independent and The Guardian, and for many other publications. He has written books about Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, Ayrton Senna, Enzo Ferrari and footballers who wear the number 10. He is a former Artistic Director of the Berlin Jazz Festival.
Posted on 05 November 2024
