Tilda Swinton Bedtime Story Read and Josh O’Connor Porridge-Making Lesson Among Auction Lots Raising Money for Gaza
variety.comAlex Ritman A number of major names from the U.K. film and TV world and beyond have donated items — and their own time — to an auction raising money for Gaza.
Organized by Cinema for Gaza in support of Medical Aid for Palestinians, the auction has drawn in gifts from likes of Tilda Swinton, Ken Loach, Asia Kapadia, Ramy Youssef, Peter Capaldi, Imelda Staunton, Brian Cox, Joseph Quinn, Mike Leigh, Misan Harriman, Joanna Hogg, Aimee Lou Wood and Josh O’Connor.
Among the lots up for grabs when the auction goes live on April 2 is the chance to have Swinton “read you a soothing (or not, whatever you prefer) bedtime story over Zoom,” a porridge masterclass with O’Connor who will “teach you how to make the perfect bowl” (and apparently get a glimpse of his secret porridge recipe), a chat about astrology with “Sex Education” star Wood, a “restorative drink” with “Saltburn’s” Oliver, and tickets to see and meet Youssef at a stand-up show and afterparty.
Other items include signed “Downton Abbey” and “Doctor Who” memorabilia, and signed posters from Mike Leigh, Ken Loach and Asif Kapadia, including Leigh’s poster for his original 1977 theatre production of “Abigail’s Party.” Meanwhile, there are opportunities to have a cup of tea — over Zoom — with Joseph Quinn and Paapa Essiedu. “As we enter the sixth month of Israel’s military siege of Gaza, it has never been more vital to raise funds for the urgent humanitarian work conducted by Medical Aid for Palestinians.
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