Painting by Judi Dench to be auctioned for charity

Hsin-Yi LoSouth East
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Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is hosting a charity event, which includes auctioning a painting by Dame Judi Dench, patron of the venue

A charity event taking place in a Surrey theatre includes the auction of a painting by Dame Judi Dench.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, in Guildford, is hosting the Supper With The Stars on 13 May - a fundraising dinner with celebrities.

Confirmed guests include Patricia Hodge, Matthew Kelly, Dillie Keane, Robert Duncan, Julian Glover, Isla Blair, Alex Macqueen, radio DJ Peter Gordon and Dame Judi, who is patron of the venue.

The online silent auction is part of the charity event, and so far the highest bid for Dame Judi's painting sits at £1,700.

The theatre says the artwork, completed in 2025, is one of the last works the 91-year-old actor was able to paint.

A spokesperson for the theatre says certificate of authenticity comes with the painting to ensure its provenance.

The theatre says proceeds from Supper With The Stars will go towards its creative learning programme, which supports students with special needs, young carers, low-income families and isolated and vulnerable members of the local community.

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