Theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh has today announced a donation of£1 million to drama school Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

The donation ensures that Mountview can complete their new facilities in Peckham, including the brand new 200-seat main auditorium. This space will now be names the Cameron Mackintosh Theatre in honour of the producer’s generosity. This theatre will showcase over 20 student productions annually, as well as hosting work from visiting companies and community groups.

Mountview, which has been training artists since 1945, has recently completed a move to Peckham in September 2018, moving from their previous premises in Wood Green. The new £30 million state-of-the-art facilities features 21 dance and acting studios, two theatres, and TV and recording studios to prepare aspiring creatives for the industry.

Mackintosh said: ‘I am delighted to support the completion of Mountview’s spectacular and ambitious renaissance in its striking new home in Southwark. It was an inspired idea to relocate this long-established drama school into an exciting and diverse borough of London, far away from the leafy affluent suburbs where drama schools are usually sited… The vision of the school have convinced me that Mountview is on track to enjoy a brilliant new era as one of Britain’s finest Drama schools, harnessing thrilling raw talent from every corner of society and preparing them for a great career in both drama and musical theatre. A lot has been written recently, sometimes unfairly, about careers in the theatre being out of reach to anyone who is not from a well-heeled background. The new Mountview will prove that to get on, you don’t have to be posh. You just have to be good.’

Mackintosh’s recent productions include the West End transfer of HAMILTON, the upcoming London production of MARY POPPINS and the recent acclaimed revival of MISS SAIGON in the West End and Broadway. Mackintosh also remains the lead producer of West End smash hits LES MISÉRABLES and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.