Acting for Others announces One Night Only tenth anniversary special

Actors will return to Simpson’s on the Strand later this month for the tenth anniversary of Acting for Others’ fundraising event One Night Only, which will take place on Sunday 22 March 2026.

The event will see performers from stage and screen take on front-of-house roles for the evening, shadowing the restaurant’s maître d’, bartenders, serving staff and hosts as they serve guests. The occasion will be hosted by Samantha Bond and Richard Clifford.

Those confirmed to take part include Geraldine Alexander, Lorraine Ashbourne, Annette Badland, Richard Fleeshman, Freddie Fox, Ginny Holder, Laura Hopper, Tom Hopper, Derek Jacobi, Ian McKellen, Tamzin Outhwaite, Arlene Phillips, Jodie Prenger, Caroline Quentin, Amanda Redman, Anne Reid, Hugh Sachs, Michael Simkins, Samantha Spiro, Harriet Thorpe, Penelope Wilton and Gaia Wise.

The evening will be held at Simpson’s on the Strand, which recently reopened following refurbishment by Jeremy King Restaurants. According to Acting for Others co-chairman Stephen Waley-Cohen, the charity is marking the anniversary of the event as part of the restaurant’s reopening celebrations.

The evening will also include a live and silent auction led by antiques expert and auctioneer Charlie Ross, with lots including theatre experiences and dinners with performers. Funds raised will support the work of Acting for Others. The line-up is subject to change, with additional names to be confirmed nearer the event.