In Town Last Night: thesps rally to raise money for historic theatre

British actors including Helen Mirren and Hugh Grant rallied last night in a bid to save the world's oldest music hall - Wilton's theatre in Whitechapel, East London. Built in the 1850s, the historic theatre has long enjoyed high-profile support. In 1964, Sir John Betjeman campaigned to make it a Grade II listed building to save it from demolition. Other stars who have backed it over the decades include Laurence Olivier, Peter Sellars and Liza Minnelli. Despite its vibrant heritage, the theatre is now semi-derelict and is in desperate need of repair. It still has friends in high places however: joining Mirren and Grant to help raise funds at last night's party were, among others, Jim Broadbent and Zoe Wanamaker. ·