We’re 70% funded – just £7500 away from bringing this urgent, powerful new play to life.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

In June 2026, ice&fire’s new play, A Fine Idea, by Christine Bacon, inspired by Jason Hickel’s acclaimed book The Divide will premiere at the Arcola Theatre, London, directed by Charlotte Gwinner.

The play takes audiences on a gripping and kaleidoscopic journey through the forces that shape the vast inequality we see in our world today — and the lives of people caught in the middle.

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

We’ve worked tirelessly to secure enough funding for the production over the last two years. Over 50 funding applications have been submitted and we’ve managed to raise 70% of our budget, through grants, in-kind support and sheer bloody-mindedness.

But, as many of you working in the sector will know, the funding climate for subsidised theatre is grim, and we’re now turning to the people who believe in the power of theatre to make change. Our friends, families and supporters, as well as those who want to see ideas such as these explored in popular forms of entertainment.

We need to raise the final £7,500 to get this production over the line. Every pound will go directly into the show — paying artists fairly, properly resourcing our design team, and ensuring we reach a less traditional theatre audience.

WHY THIS PLAY MATTERS

Jason Hickel's 'The Divide 'struck a chord with readers around the world and the conversation around global inequality is only becoming more vital. This play continues that conversation — asking how inequality touches all of us, and what stories we tell about justice, privilege, and hope.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate whatever you can — every contribution matters.

Rewards for different tiers of contribution are set out below

Share this campaign with friends, artists, activists, and anyone who thinks we need to talk more about what drives an economic system in which 8 billionaires control as much wealth as the poorest 50% of humanity.

And join us at the Arcola in June 2026 to see what you helped create.

https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/a-fine-idea/

❤️ Thank You

Your support doesn’t just fund a play. It sustains artists, ideas, and a belief that well-told stories can still make a difference.

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🌱 £20 – Supporter

Reward: A heartfelt thank-you on our social media + your name listed on our JustGiving page as a supporter of A Fine Idea.

✉️ £50 – Friend of the Production

Reward:

• Your name in the printed show programme and on our website.

• A digital thank-you postcard featuring artwork or rehearsal photography from the production.

• A discount code for tickets to the show

🏆 £100 - Champion of the show

Reward: All of the above, plus

• A complimentary ticket to the show

🎟️ £250 – Backstage Insider

Reward:

• Everything above, plus

• A personal thank-you video from the cast and creative team.

🎫 £500 – Opening Night Supporter

Reward:

• All of the above, plus

• Two complimentary tickets to the show at the Arcola Theatre.

• Programme signed by the cast and director.

🌟 £1000 – Legend

Reward:

• Two tickets to any performance (best available seats).

• Signed programme and poster.

• Exclusive invitation to a post-show Q&A or private drinks reception with the creative team.

💼 £1500 – Production Patron

Reward:

• All of the above plus:

• Two premium tickets for opening night.

• Invitation to a rehearsal visit and meet-the-team session.

• A free rehearsed reading of one of our Actors for Human Rights scripts for an audience of your choice

💎 £2,500 – Executive Producer

Reward:

• Executive Producer credit in all materials (programme, website, press releases).

• Invitation to opening-night celebration and all major rehearsals.

• Six complimentary tickets for guests.

• A framed production photo of the play and signed script from the production team.