THE biggest single line-up of stars assembled in Liverpool will mark the climax of the Everyman Theatre's 40th birthday celebrations.
Julie Walters, Anthony Sher, Bill Nighy, Jonathan Pryce and Mathew Kelly, who all started their careers at the Hope Street theatre, will be among guests at a gala on November 21.
Anthony Sher and Jonathan Pryce are recognised as two of the UK's leading classical actors, while Julie Walters has had a career with the emphasis on comedy, and Mathew Kelly is best known as the presenter of the TV series Stars In Their Eyes.
Playwrights Willy Russell and Alan Bleasdale and musicians Pete Wylie and Ian McCulloch of Echo And The Bunnymen will also take part.
The event, with tickets priced at £40, is designed to raise £20,000 and will ensure the future of new playwriting in Liverpool up to Capital of Culture year in 2008.
Everyman executive director Deborah Aydon said: "The most important things is building for the future.
"This gala alone has the potential of ensuring at least two new plays a season are presented for the next four years."
Another returning guest will be former Everyman director Ken Campbell who has just hosted a theatre improvisation season as part of the theatre's birthday celebrations.
