The Tricycle in Kilburn, north London, was described recently by the Daily Telegraph theatre critic, whom one would not necessarily think of as its natural ally, as 'punching well above its weight'. It is a thoroughly admirable private institution and an attractive, if cramped, space with a theatre, cinema, gallery and cafe. Run with real flair by its director Nick Kent, it is not afraid to tackle difficult contemporary issues such as Afghanistan and the complexities of race relations through ground-breaking new drama.
It is, of course, always short of money. I have willingly agreed to host a wine tasting and what they call a 'Bespoke Christmas Market' there on the evening of Sun 22 Nov in aid of the Tricycle. At an art auction fundraiser for the Tricycle last night at the Portland Gallery, where we had a chance to bid for works by the likes of Anthony Gormley, Feliks Topolski and Maggie Hambling, I was told that there are still a few tickets left.
After a reception I'll be taking everyone through eight carefuly chosen wines kindly supplied by Bibendum Wine as well as signing copies of my books and DVDs. There will also be several stalls such as the excellent Fromagerie for sampling and top-quality cheese, Daunt Books and Merry Widows wine, and there is always a particularly sympathetic and sometimes star-studded crowd at the Tricycle.
WHERE The Tricycle, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR
WHEN 6.30-9.30pm, Sunday 22 Nov 2009
HOW MUCH £60 a head, to include a £50 donation to The Tricycle
HOW Call the Tricycle Development Office on 020 7372 6611 or email veronica@tricycle.co.uk