The Terence Rattigan Memorial Fundraising Project

Hi there, my name is Lucy Briers and I'm an actress and devotee of the late, great Terence Rattigan, one of this country's most talented playwrights of the 20th century. Despite the fact Rattigan died in 1977 his plays still resonate with audiences around the world and enjoy ongoing popularity. They are a vital part of our national theatrical culture.

The photo you see is the shockingly neglected Rattigan Family Memorial in Kensal Green Cemetery in London, with no one bearing official responsibility for its upkeep. Rattigan's ashes are buried here, but tragically his name has never been added to the Memorial.

Residuals earned from the many revivals of Rattigan's plays cannot be used for the restoration as his will clearly stipulated that all future earnings must be contributed to the charities of his choice. These charities are therefore duty bound to use those funds for their beneficiaries and for no other purpose.

So, out of respect and love for Rattigan a small group of us, fully supported by the wonderful Terence Rattigan Society, started the Rattigan Family Memorial Fundraising Project. We approached four stonemasons for quotes and our preferred company has quoted £24,000 for the following works:

Stabilising the structure and cleaning the cross and plinths

Re-lettering as necessary and consolidating existing inscriptions

Adding the inscription for Terence Rattigan

Cleaning and repairing the ornate trough and skirt

Repairing and cleaning the perimeter wall

Cleaning and re-setting the foundation slabs.

So far we have raised £8,000 from personal and professional contacts in the entertainment industry, but now we think it's time to reach out to a wider group of people who love theatre and value our theatrical history and culture.

Donations will be sent directly to the Terence Rattigan Society.

We realise this is a very niche cause in a time of such uncertainty, so any donation is very gratefully received. To be able to restore Terence Rattigan's resting place at the same time as theatre is rebuilding it's connection with our communities would be a wonderful and meaningful achievement.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and we do hope you will feel able to contribute.