Raise the Roof! gala at the Victoria Palace Theatre: Ian McKellen leads line-up

Raise the Roof!, a gala evening in aid of the Denville Hall Centenary Appeal, plays the Victoria Palace Theatre on Sunday 1 November 2026 at 7pm. Bradley Walsh hosts, and the newly announced line-up includes Sir Ian McKellen, Robert Lindsay, Matt Henry, Harriet Thorpe, Michelle Collins, Emma Williams and Jeremy Secomb. Tickets are priced from £35 and are on sale now from the Victoria Palace Theatre box office.

Who is taking part in the gala?

Joining Walsh on the bill are Stefan Bednarczyk, David Benson, Michelle Collins, Bobby Crush, Matt Henry, Jack Lane, Robert Lindsay, Sir Ian McKellen, Jeremy Secomb, Harriet Thorpe and Emma Williams. More names and special guests are still to be announced, and the organisers note that all artists appear subject to availability.

Ian Talbot directs the evening, with Stephen Ridley as musical director. The organisers promise performers, stars and friends from across film, television, theatre and music, coming together for “a celebration of the people and stories that have entertained generations.” They also describe it as “a night filled with laughter, music and memories.”

McKellen has a personal link to the cause too. Theatre Weekly reports that he is a president of the Centenary Appeal, alongside Dame Helen Mirren and Daniel Radcliffe.

Why are these centenaries being marked side by side?

The gala brings together Denville Hall and Elstree Studios, which both turn 100 this year. Denville Hall opened on 19 July 1926 as a “haven of rest” for retired actors and actresses. Today it cares for people from across the entertainment professions, including specialist dementia care. Elstree Studios has spent the same century as a home for film and television making in Britain.

Joanne Benjamin, Chair of Trustees at Denville Hall, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Elstree studios on this wonderful event which will celebrate the 100 year history of both organisations. We look forward to an evening of fun in which the whole industry comes together to recognise those who have given so much to entertainment over the last 100 years.”

Rebecca Hawkes, chief executive of Elstree Studios, said: “There is a wonderful sense of joy in bringing these two centenaries together. Elstree has spent a century creating entertainment that brings people together, while Denville has spent a century caring for the people who make that entertainment possible.” She added that raising money for Denville is “a fitting way to mark such an important milestone.”

Where will the money go?

Funds from the night go to Denville Hall’s £26 million Centenary Appeal. The plan is to build two new buildings of assisted living accommodation in the grounds, along with a new café, restaurant, cinema, rehabilitation and yoga studio, and gym. The gardens will also be relandscaped to give wheelchair access throughout.

The appeal aims to raise £13 million for the new buildings, then a further £13 million for a new endowment called Alfred’s Fund. It is named after Alfred Denville, the actor manager and MP who founded the home, and will help cover its running costs for the next 100 years.

Galas have long been part of the story. In December 1930 the trustees held a gala matinee in aid of Denville Hall at the London Hippodrome, in the presence of the King and Queen, which began a tradition of theatrical fundraisers for the home.

Why does this building suit the evening?

The Victoria Palace Theatre was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1911 with a variety bill. Historic England has described it as “London’s last great variety house”, and it was home to the Crazy Gang for 15 years from 1947. Delfont Mackintosh bought the theatre in 2014 and finished a major refurbishment in 2016.

How do I book for the gala?

Raise the Roof! is a single performance on Sunday 1 November 2026 at 7pm, so seats are limited. Tickets start at £35 from the official Raise the Roof! page, or by calling the box office on 0344 482 5151. Access booking is on 0344 482 5137, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7.30pm. You can find seating and travel advice on our Victoria Palace Theatre guide.