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Ralph Fiennes among UK actors backing new theatre

Louise Parry
ThirteenStructures An aerial view of the barn. It is surrounded by fences and scaffolding, and overgrown shrubbery. There are some cars parked between the barn and another half timbered Tudor house. The roof is red with lots of moss growing on it. ThirteenStructures
The 17th Century barn has fallen into disrepair but will be turned into a repertory theatre venue

Four top British actors including Ralph Fiennes are supporting the creation of a new theatre to encourage young and emerging talent.

Dame Joanna Lumley, Brian Cox and Zoe Wanamaker are also patrons of OVO theatre company's project to convert a 17th Century barn in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

OVO, which has staged 100 productions, plans to turn the derelict building into "a vibrant performance venue" that will house a new theatre company.

Lumley said: "As someone who had no formal acting training, I wholly encourage positive projects like this that identify young, up-and-coming talent from all kinds of backgrounds."

Cox, 79, who recently played Logan Roy in Succession, left school at the age of 14 to join Dundee Repertory Theatre.

"This was my first experience of live theatre – until then it was seen as a middle class pursuit.

"The decline of the repertory system has denied many young people from working class backgrounds the opportunity of a career in theatre," he said.

He is supporting OVO's new initiative "to widen the talent pool and increase the diversity of our industry".

Lea Meienberg/Gemma Levine Professional headshots of Ralph Fiennes and Joanna Lumley, set side by side. Ralph wears a dark blue suit jacket and shirt, almost the same colour as the background. He has a short beard and moustache. Lumley is in black and white, wearing a pin striped suit jacket and a dark brimmed hat. Her face is in her hands and she wears a silver watch and bracelet.Lea Meienberg/Gemma Levine
Ralph Fiennes is "extremely proud" and Joanna Lumley is "thrilled" to be involved in the theatre project

OVO plans to employ a core group of actors and production staff for a season at a time, to "provide vital opportunities for early career performers, creatives and crew" who might otherwise struggle to get established.

The first company of actors is expected to join in summer 2026, by which time renovations should be complete.

St Germain's Barn, which dates back to 1649, is located in Verulamium Park and is listed on Historic England's "at risk" register.

OVO said the building had "deep theatrical roots" and would enable its mission "of creating bold, imaginative and surprising new versions of classic plays and stories".

Simon Knight Architects An artist's impression of the theatre barn. There are about 7 rows of red seats, a grey floor space and a small stage with red curtains. The sides of the barn are all wooden planks with a V-shaped ceiling.Simon Knight Architects
The theatre will also provide rehearsal facilities, a bar and restaurant.

Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes said: "I know the importance of an exceptional grassroots training experience.

"There is a sense of wonder and anticipation that comes with mixing the old and the new.

"The preservation of the 17th Century barn together with the eager energy of budding new actors will be the beginning of something fabulous."

Zoe Wanamaker hopes to continue her father's legacy at the Globe Theatre, in supporting the arts through a connection with historic buildings.

She said: "I passionately believe in opportunity for all. Not only do new actors and creatives benefit from schemes like OVO's barn theatre, but the impact on society is huge too."

David Ho/Jillian Edelstein Professional headshot of Brian Cox and Zoe Wanamaker. Brian smiles at the camera, wearing a brown waistcoat over a brown and black checked shirt and brown tartan tie. He has white hear and a white goatee beard. Zoe has short blonde hair and black eyebrows, and wears a black leather jacket.David Ho/Jillian Edelstein
Brian Cox and Zoe Wanamaker hope the new theatre will make a positive impact on society

Adam Nichols, artistic director of OVO, said: "OVO has always prided itself on making theatre accessible and inclusive.

"I can't wait to be able to welcome a talented troupe of actors, creatives and crew from a diverse range of backgrounds to live and work with us to make incredible theatre all year round."

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