Sting displays thick hipster beard as he enjoys a tactile display with wife Trudie Styler at special event honouring Kevin Spacey
His own theatrical endeavours were put to one side on Sunday evening as stars from the world of film, theatre and music gathered to honour Kevin Spacey’s 11-year tenure as Artistic Director of the Old Vic.
Arriving with actress wife Trudie Styler, pop legend Sting was amongst the more prominent of celebrity guests to congratulate Spacey – who is poised to leave the legendary theatre venue he helped transform after taking over in 2003.
The 63-year-old was upbeat during his appearance at London’s Ham Yard Hotel for the one-off event – but was almost unrecognisable courtesy of his thick, hipsteresque growth of beard.
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In attendance: Sting and wife of 23-years Trudie Styler were on hand to help Kevin Spacey celebrate his 11-years as Artistic Director of the Old Vic on Sunday evening
Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, was close to Trudie – his wife of 23-years – for much of the evening, and they enjoyed a tactile display while posing for photos alongside Spacey.
Surrounded by elegant evening dresses, 61-year-old Trudie stood out in a seasonal floral print dress and collarless jacket.
She matched the light, breezy ensemble with a pair of peep-toe boots, while a bold statement necklace gave the overall look a pleasing focal point.
So in love: Sting and Trudie enjoyed a tactile display as they posed for photos at London's Ham Yard Hotel
American Beauty: The couple were welcomed by Spacey, who is poised to leave the legendary theatre venue he helped transform after taking over in 2003
Sting’s appearance comes shortly after his own theatrical production, labour of love The Last Ship, closed on New York City’s fabled Broadway after 105 performances and a string of mixed critical responses.
Spacey celebrated his departure from the Old Vic by reprising his role as innovative lawyer Clarence Darrow – a role he first played in 1991 TV movie Darrow – in a one-man play at the venue earlier this year.
He will relinquish his role as Artistic Director to successor Matthew Warchus, who once directed Spacey in a revival of David Mamet’s Speed The Plow.
Strong look: Sting was almost unrecognisable courtesy of his thick, hipsteresque growth of beard
Referring to his departure in a statement, Spacey said: ‘I couldn't be happier that my friend Matthew Warchus has agreed to take the reins at the Old Vic next year.
‘Matthew is a thoughtful, intuitive and highly creative director, and he has been rightly applauded for his work, in particular the quality and diversity of his portfolio.’
He added: ‘I know he loves our theatre, and I am delighted for our staff, our audiences and for our acting and production communities that he will be its next guardian.’
Cheerful: But Sting’s appearance comes shortly after his own theatrical production, labour of love The Last Ship, closed on New York City’s fabled Broadway after 105 performances and a string of mixed critical responses
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