Benedict Cumberbatch says access to drama world must be 'opened up' to actors from all backgrounds

Benedict Cumberbatch has warned that the drama industry must remove the barriers preventing students from less affluent backgrounds from getting a foot in the door..

The actor, who is president of Lamda, one of the UK’s leading drama schools, welcomed its move to slash costly audition fees in a bid to broaden access to the industry.

Mr Cumberbatch, an Old Harrovian and Lamda (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) alumnus, welcomed new director Sarah Frankcom’s initiative to reduce first round audition fees and application fees by as much as 75 per cent.

“I am so excited to see that Sarah’s first step as the new director of Lamda has been to open up the doors to greater opportunity for students from the toughest backgrounds,” he said.

“We need to make sure that training for the stage, film and television is opened up and that we take down barriers to young people with enormous talent and potential who might have been put off by a first audition fee that was unaffordable.”

Ms Frankcom, who begins her new role on Monday said it was important to develop a fairer system for applicants, improving representation within the student body and broadening access to Lamda’s world-renowned training.

“Drama schools play a vital role in feeding the talent pipeline for the creative skills sector and it is essential that people from all backgrounds feel that our training is a viable option for them,” she said.

“Although funding is often available once enrolled in drama school, the high cost of multiple audition fees, travel and accommodation costs can be a huge deterrent for young people meaning we are losing talented creatives at the first hurdle.”

Many leading drama schools charge a flat rate of around £50 to apply, leaving students aiming to audition for multiple institutions several hundred pounds out of pocket.

Lamda previously charged £54 for the entire process but from Monday will charge only £12 for the first round audition with additional fees only required if students get through to full day recall auditions.

Lamda alumni include Jim Broadbent, Kim Cattrall, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ruth Wilson.