Denville Hall opened on 19 July 1926 as a “haven of rest” for retired actors and actresses. Now 100 years later it provides later life care to everyone in the entertainment professions.
It provides the full range of care, including specialised dementia care, and offers dignity and respect in a vibrant and enriching community which celebrates those who have dedicated their careers to a lifetime in the performing arts, both on and off screen or stage. They champion creativity at every stage of life, helping residents to remain inspired, valued, and connected.
20 years ago, Denville Hall were given a substantial legacy by a friend of the then Chair of Trustees, Lord Attenborough. Some of this legacy was used to build their award-winning dementia wing, and the rest invested to provide an endowment which subsidises the fees of residents. The Hall is also supported by other Arts charities who help to provide the care for those who cannot afford to pay for it.
In their Centenary year they have launched an Appeal to provide two new buildings of assisted living accommodation in their extensive grounds with Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ian McKellen, and Daniel Radcliffe as Presidents of the Centenary Appeal. This Appeal is for a total of £26million, £13 million for the build and an additional £13 million to provide an endowment, called Alfred’s Fund, after founder Alfred Denville, to maintain the Home for the next 100 years.
The plan will transform the current site’s landscape and access, introduce new state of the art facilities for all residents, comprising of a new café, restaurant, cinema, rehabilitation/yoga studio and gym. The extensive gardens will be relandscaped to provide wheelchair access throughout.
Dame Helen Mirren said, “Even a very successful actor, director, writer, producer, composer or musician can reach the latter part of their life with no support in place. It is the nature of being an artist that so many decisions through life and work are made for reasons of culture, inspiration, education and communication, not for financial security. Here is where Denville Hall steps in, to create security and care for those who have spent their lives giving us entertainment and inspiration, and creating the culture that we are so rightfully proud of.
“I am very proud to be, along with two genuinely extraordinary artists, Ian McKellen and Daniel Radcliffe, a President for the Centenary Appeal for Denville Hall. This appeal will mean Denville Hall can expand their services and continue their important work for the next generations.”
Sir Ian McKellen said, “Making a play or producing a show, even when it’s built around a mighty star, is a communal activity. From first rehearsal to closing night, the performers, creative teams, management bosses and stage-sweepers all depend on each other in a way that other enterprises cannot match. So, every job I have done over 60 more years as a professional actor has felt like working and playing with a family of friends, old and new. It’s that kinship which supports us when disaster strikes, when bad reviews close our show or Covid, for example, prevents us from working.
This spirit inspired the establishment of the unique Denville Hall, where workers from the entertainment industry can find the care and shelter they so often need. With Dame Helen and Daniel, I shall encourage colleagues who can afford it, to be generous in their support. If you have a suggestion how you and others could help, please be in touch, as all contributions are welcome.”
Daniel Radcliffe said, “I’m deeply honoured to be a President for Denville Hall’s Centenary Appeal, an incredible residential home just outside of London which was first opened 100 years ago as a ‘haven for actors’ who had nowhere else to go. Nowadays Denville Hall caters for actors, agents, performers, or any professional in the entertainment industry who needs support in their elder years whether it be full time care or a short break. Their door is always open, and they don’t turn anyone away.
This is where you come in. In celebration of their centenary Denville Hall is aiming to raise £26 million to fund new residential developments and to support ‘Alfred’s Fund’, providing financial help to those in greatest of need. So please join us as we give back to those who have dedicated their lives to entertaining us, giving them safety, support and most importantly dignity.”
Every single resident of Denville Hall over the past 100 years has contributed to the profits of producers and theatre owners. Every single resident has contributed to the joy the world finds in attending theatre, going to the cinema and watching television. It is now time to give back and provide for them.
