Stars from hit TV series like Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, The Serpent, Peaky Blinders and The Archers could soon be spreading the love - wishing your nearest and dearest a Happy Valentine’s Day on your behalf.
Some of Britain’s best-loved actors have filmed love poems and readings for Valentine’s Day to support the East Anglian theatre company Ink.
Hugh Bonneville, Juliet Stevenson and Mel Giedroyc are among the actors and performers who have filmed a reading about love, from their lockdown homes.
These are now available to send, as a unique message, to a loved one this Valentine’s Day.
Sally Ball, from the Halesworth-based Ink, said: “This year Valentine’s will be a different experience.
"Many are parted and even those who do live together will be unable to celebrate in the usual way.
"To make everyone’s day a little more special, Ink has asked a number of their friends to film a love reading that can be purchased for £10 and then sent, virtually, to someone important on Valentine’s Day to help to spread the love.”
Other leading actors who will be recording their favourite poems, sonnets or readings include Tim Bentinck (David Archer in The Archers), Caroline Quentin (Bridgerton) and Patricia Hodge (Miranda).
Jazz singer Barb Jungr has recorded two versions of ‘Black is the Colour of my True Love’s Hair’. The readings, selected by the actors, include The Way of Love: Corinthians 13; To Celia by Ben Jonson; The Owl and The Pussycat by Edward Lear; Wild Nights – Wild Nights by Emily Dickinson; Love’s Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley and Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare.
The list of performers and performances can be accessed via the Ink Festival website and for a donation of £10 you can select a special film which will be emailed to you on Saturday February 13 for you to forward onto your loved one. You can add a personal message should you wish.
The money raised will go to support the Ink Festival which supports new writing from local playwrights of all ages and backgrounds.
Sally Ball added: “We are a charity that gives a voice to those rarely heard. Like so many arts organisations Ink have felt the squeeze of lockdown and your donation will help them to continue their work and deliver a brighter future.”
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