£110k Raised in Star-Studded Flea Market Extravaganza - And It’s All for a Good Cause article by Gloria

Covent Garden was buzzing this Saturday as theatre fans, bargain hunters, and selfie-seekers descended upon St Paul’s Church for the fifth annual Acting for Others Flea Market - and this year, they smashed the fundraising record. More than £110,000 was raised for the charity, which supports theatre workers in times of need, marking the event’s most successful outing to date.

A feel-good day of fundraising - and yes, perhaps some lucky punters went home with a bit of West End magic tucked under their arm

Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Co-Chairman of Acting for Others, was all smiles as he expressed his gratitude: “We are delighted that the West End Flea Market is going from strength to strength and the wonderful amount raised, which is significantly higher than previous years.”

Theatre shows lined up to flaunt their wares, with stalls from Back to the Future, Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge, SIX, The Phantom of the Opera, and more. Best Dressed Stall went to The Book of Mormon, which wowed attendees with exclusive show props and a delightfully irreverent ‘Spooky Mormon Hoopla’ game. The judging panel, featuring Christopher Biggins, Dame Arlene Phillips, and Janie Dee, seemed to have as much fun as the crowd, who jostled for selfies and signed memorabilia.

Meanwhile, Jamie’s Bakery kept the sugar highs going, Go Live Theatre Projects hawked quirky gifts, and the West End Charity Football Club hosted a penalty shootout.

Star sightings were aplenty, with luminaries like Derek Jacobi, Cassidy Janson, Giles Terera, and Rachel Tucker taking time to greet fans, sign autographs, and keep spirits high. The theatre community may be known for its theatrics, but the turnout at this year’s Flea Market was a clear reminder that when it comes to helping their own, they show up in force.

Thanks to Shaftesbury Capital Plc’s sponsorship and the generosity of theatre fans, the £110,000 raised will now go toward supporting 14 member charities under the Acting for Others umbrella, from the Actor’s Children’s Trust to The Theatrical Guild.

It was a feel-good day of fundraising - and yes, perhaps some lucky punters went home with a bit of West End magic tucked under their arm.

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Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now