The bespoke menu paid tribute to several of The Rep’s most famous productions including East Is East and The Snowman. The money raised will make a vital difference in helping to secure the theatre’s future and aid its recovery following enforced closure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Purnell said: “It has been an absolute pleasure designing a menu that suitably celebrates The Rep, a brilliant Brummie theatre at which I have enjoyed many fantastic evenings of entertainment over the years. 

“I have known Simon Hellier for a number of years and it was a pleasure to work alongside him on this special event, helping to raise such a fantastic amount of money. He is without a doubt one of the best banqueting and event chefs in the UK. Birmingham as a city is privileged to have him and his fantastic Amadeus team here.” 

The event was attended by 130 guests and hosted by The Rep’s Patron of Youth and Education Baroness Floella Benjamin and Rep Associate Director Iqbal Khan.