Luke Treadaway spearheading star-studded autism fundraiser

British actor Luke Treadaway has recruited Dame Helen Mirren and Doctor Who star Matt Smith to take part in his upcoming gala to raise money for autism charities. The 28-year-old Clash of the Titans star was inspired to organise the event after playing a teen diagnosed with the condition in hit play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at London’s Apollo Theatre.
Treadaway, who won an Olivier Award for the role last month (Apr13), explains, “When I started doing the play I had gone to lots of schools to research autism. Even though the schools are incredible, 90 per cent (of those students) are unemployed when they leave. I felt that so many of them would be able to work and have a social life, but are not given the opportunity.”
The Brit reveals Mirren, who is also currently performing in the West End theatre district, was keen to take part: “I dropped a letter into the stage door, and she got back to me by email within an hour.”
Singer Bat For Lashes will perform at the theatrical gala, while Smith is auctioning a tea date with him at London’s Ritz hotel.
Proceeds generated by A Curious Night at the Theatre, scheduled for 1 July (13), will benefit Ambitious About Autism and The National Autistic Society.