Gillian Lynne and Peter Land Foundation Encourages Students in Performing Arts
Launched last year, the Gillian Lynne and Peter Land Foundation continues the work of choreographer Gillian Lynne, whose widower, Taihape-born actor Peter Land tells Nick Smurthwaite, a journalist for The Stage, how the fund is helping students in need through the pandemic.
Following Lynne’s death in July 2018, her husband of 38 years, set up the Lynne and Land Foundation last year, with patrons including Darcey Bussell, Judi Dench, Matthew Bourne, Patrick Stewart and Ken Robinson.
“The aim was always to encourage and support kids in the performing arts,” Land tells The Stage. “Gillie and I talked about it a lot before she passed away and we both made funds available. She insisted on having it in both our names. I wanted it to reflect and provide the kind of help that Gillie gave to so many performers throughout her career.”
The trust was launched last summer by the glitzy fundraising event To Gillie, With Love, produced by Land, which paid tribute to Lynne’s brilliant career, and which producer Richard Jordan heralded as one of his theatrical highlights of the year.
Land, 67, is best known for his classical acting with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Original article by Nick Smurthwaite, The Stage, July 20, 2020.
Photo by Paul Smith.
