Galaxy of stars will help mark Lyceum's 40th birthday

A GALAXY of stage stars is set to gather for a night of "indulgence, luxury and merriment" to toast the 40th birthday of one of Edinburgh's best-loved theatres.

Members of the public will have the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Brian Cox, Billy Boyd and new Dr Who actor David Tennant at the glittering gala evening to mark the ruby anniversary of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company (RLTC) next January.

The star-studded bash has been planned to coincide with the opening night of Liz Lochhead's Tartuffe, a critically-acclaimed Scots translation of the play by French playwright Molire, which drew unprecedented audience numbers to the Grindlay Street theatre when it was first performed there nearly 20 years ago.

A "mystery guest" is being lined up to cut a 40th birthday cake, complete with candles, while musical entertainment will transform the venue into a party hotspot.

One of those certain to join in the festivities is former High Road actress and RLTC stalwart Eileen McCallum.

Together with fellow Scottish thespian greats Una McLean and the late Russell Hunter, Ms McCallum starred in the RLTC's first ever production in 1965, A Servant o' Twa Maisters, Victor Carin's Scots translation of the farce by Carlo Goldoni.

She said: "I just love the Lyceum, probably because it was my first real company that I was part of.

"I have come back periodically over the years and I never stay away that long."