Poor Yorick makes theatre rich

The skull from an internationally acclaimed production of Hamlet is to be auctioned in aid of the Young Vic next month.

Rachel Weisz, Jude Law and Trudi Styler are among a star-studded cast of supporters who could be bidding for the memento from Peter Brook's show. Proceeds will go towards vital improvements to the theatre.

Mr Brook said: "Without funds, walls crack and joints creak. It is vital to help keep the Young Vic young."

Other lots include a week in rehearsals for the Young Vic's production of Marlowe's Dr Faustus with artistic director David Lan and his leading man Jude Law; dinner for 10 at home cooked by The Ivy's Mark Hix; a work placement on The South Bank Show; and a trip to the MTV music awards in Frankfurt.

Also benefiting from the auction, which it is hoped will raise £300,000, will be the Aids charity Body and Soul supported by Adrian Lester.

The three-week London run of Hamlet is sold out, so a ticket for the gala performance and dinner is likely to be the only chance to see the show. Patrons, including Weisz, Lord Bragg, Ruth Rogers and Martha Lane Fox have already paid £5,000 a head to host 10 guests for the evening, which will include a lavish post-show dinner made by chefs from The Ivy.