Dame Julie Walters supports Old Library Campaign

Renowned for her distinguished career across stage and screen, Walters’ support sees over 30 percent of the seats in the new studio theatre named.

We are delighted to announce that Dame Julie Walters, one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, has shown her support for the Old Library campaign by naming a seat in our new studio theatre. This generous donation joins many others in support of our ongoing Name a Seat appeal, that invites members of the public to be among the first to name one of the brand-new seats in the Old Library studio theatre, due to open early 2026. 

This donation helps us closer to our final target of £100,000 to transform the historic Old Library into a new arts and wellbeing hub. With her iconic role as Mrs Bird in the Paddington films and Newbury being the birthplace of Paddington Bear’s creator, Michael Bond, this support is especially meaningful.

Last year, we had over 30,000 engagements with our creative participation programmes, which aim to build confidence and self-esteem in young people; reduce loneliness and social isolation in older people; and improve mental health and wellbeing. 

Once the Old Library reopens, the additional space will enable us to engage with over 40,000 people each year. All funds raised will go directly towards transforming the Old Library into a space that uses the arts to improve emotional, physical and mental wellbeing across West Berkshire. We are inviting others to help make this vital project a reality. For a minimum donation of £500, supporters can have a personalised plaque engraved with a name or message in your own name, a business name, in memory of a loved one or as a gift for someone special - fixed to a seat.