Benedict Cumberbatch's former drama school shows off new £28million complex during community day

The extension opened in June and was praised by the former student, who has since gone on to Hollywood success

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06:00, 22 SEP 2017

Benedict Cumberbatch helped to launch the campaign to fund the redevelopment

An academy which taught some of the world's leading acting talent has opened its doors to the public after undergoing a £28.2 million redevelopment.

The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) has previously trained the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Brian Cox, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Caflin, Jim Broadbent, Maureen Lipman, Hermione Norris, and Ruth Wilson.

The community day at the new campus, which is an extension of the original LAMDA building in Talgarth Road, Hammersmith, was held on Sunday (September 17).

LAMDA's new £28.2 complex and Community Day

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The new complex, which was officially opened in June, includes a flexible 200-seat Simon Sainsbury Theatre, the 120-seat black box Carne Studio Theatre, a new Education Wing housing a fully-equipped, digital screen and audio suite, 10 large training and rehearsal studios, a library and studio centre, and new backstage facilities.

It opened its doors to the public as part of Open House 2017.

Arts and culture in west London

The day involved tours of LAMDA’s new facilities, including the fully-equipped digital screen and audio suite, 10 training studios and the two new theatres; The Sainsbury Theatre and The Carne Studio Theatre

There was screen acting and stage combat demonstrations by LAMDA students, one-to-one interview opportunities with LAMDA Principal Joanna Read, and photo and filming opportunities throughout the new training centre.

12 Years a Slave actor Chiwetel Ejiofor was a student at the academy (Image: PA)

Ms Read said afterwards: “We were delighted to open LAMDA’s doors to our neighbours and our community on Sunday.

“We are proud to train the leading artists, trailblazers and collaborators of every generation and it was wonderful to see so many new faces explore our building, meet our students and get a feel for what we do.

“We are excited about the potential our new home has to act as a cultural hub for west London and we’re working with Hammersmith and Fulham Council as well as other local partners to make this happen.”

Luther star Ruth Wilson trained at the drama school (Image: Getty Images North America)

LAMDA say the new facilities, designed by Nìall McLaughlin Architects, with VolkerFitzpatrick as the main contractors, match its international reputation.

Funding for the project has been helped by the support of its Act Now! Campaign – launched in November 2013 with alumnus Benedict Cumberbatch as patron.

Speaking in June the Sherlock and Doctor Strange actor said: “This new building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a testament to our collective belief in the vitality of LAMDA.”

Construction work began in February 2015.