KEVIN Spacey believes that his decision to play Lex Luthor in Superman Returns will only help to raise the profile of the Old Vic in London and further the educational programmes he continues to run for children of all ages.

The star has been Artistic Director of the south London theatre for the past two years and still has plenty to achieve as part of his 10-year plan.

His Superman commitments meant that he was forced to leave his role in The Philadelphia Story last