Richard Wilson, Philip Pullman and Oliver Ford Davies are among the latest stars confirmed for the Oxford Playhouse's anniversary celebrations.

The Beaumont Street theatre is holding a week of events to mark its 70th anniversary later this month.

The highlight of the week will be two star-studded gala performances looking at the history of the theatre on Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26.

Theatre spokesman Cath Nightingale said they had been delighted with how many stars had agreed to give up their time to take part in the event.

She said: "They have all got strong associations with the Playhouse and are glad to come and give something back to the theatre.

"The two evenings will have a real party atmosphere, with lots of music, dance and comedy.

"There will also be some surprises in the audience. You never know who you will be sitting next to as there will be actors and performers and people with a long connection to the theatre in the audience as well."

All the stars taking part on the two nights have taken to the stage of the Playhouse in its 70-year history in various productions or were involved in previous fundraising events.

Ms Nightingale said the gala performances coincided almost to the day with the date the theatre opened its doors for the first time in 1938.

She added: "It will also be launching the start of our year-long £1m fundraising campaign, that will enable us to look forward to the next 70 years at the theatre."

Mr Ford Davies, who starred as Governor Sio Bibble in the three prequel Star Wars films and is currently starring alongside Dr Who's David Tennant in the new Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet, said he was looking forward to the celebrations.

He said: "I studied in Oxford between 1958 and 1964 and in that time I did quite a few shows on the stage of the Playhouse.

"I owe a lot to the Playhouse. It was very encouraging as a student to play in a proper professional theatre, working with professionals and it gave me a good start.

"Because I owe so much to the theatre I thought I would like to be a part of the celebrations.

"I haven't yet spoken to anyone about what they want me to do, but it will be nice to come back."

Other stars confirmed for the event are Gyles Brandreth, Diana Quick — who starred in the television series of Brideshead Revisited, 2point4 Children's Belinda Lang and Oxfordshire's own teenage singing sensation Zoe Mace.

Jeremy Irons, who has a home in Watlington, was originally due to appear but has had to pull out because of other work commitments.

Tickets for the event are still available by contacting the theatre's box office on 01865 305305, or go to oxfordplayhouse.com