AN ACTOR and former pupil of the Dragon School who featured in two hit television shows will give a festive reading at a glittering Christmas fundraiser.

Oliver Milburn, who featured in Channel 4’s Green Wing and the BBC’s Mistresses, will give a festive reading at the December 3 Spirit of Christmas in Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre.

The sparkling musical evening raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (MDC) and is supported by the Oxford Mail’s sister paper, The Oxford Times.

Tickets have gone on sale for the event, which will also feature classic Christmas songs performed by the Dragon School choir.

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It has previously featured actors Dominic West, Tamsin Greig, Alison Steadman, Sophie Thompson and Miranda Richardson.

Mr Milburn will join his wife, Newsnight journalist Katie Razzall, at the event.

He said: “I am delighted to be reading. I attended last year and it has everything you want at such gatherings – glorious music and great readings in wonderful surroundings.

“As a former Dragon School pupil, I know first-hand that Oxford is the most festive of cities, and I can’t think of a better, more appropriate way of marking the start of Christmas – especially as we are raising funds for such a great cause.”

Mr Milburn has played Angel Clare in Tess of the D’Urbervilles for ITV and recently filmed for The Royals, part of which was filmed at Blenheim Palace earlier this year, opposite Elizabeth Hurley.

He will also be rubbing shoulders with musical pupils from his former school after their performance of classic Christmas songs and carols.

Last year’s Spirit of Christmas raised £15,000 and attracted about 550 guests.

Proceeds from the event go towards research and support services funded by the MDC.

It funds research being carried out at Oxford University by scientists looking for treatments of conditions that weaken and waste muscles over time, sometimes significantly shortening life expectancy.

And in addition the MDC also supports about 600 people in Oxfordshire living with the condition.

Zoe Williams of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign said: “We were proud to welcome Oliver as a guest at Spirit of Christmas in 2013 and are delighted that he is showing his support by returning this year to read for us. Listening to our readers and choir in the beautiful and unique Sheldonian Theatre is going to be a really special way to start the countdown to Christmas.”

  • Tickets are priced from £10 from musculardystrophy.org or call 020 7803 2856


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