MPs to hear stars' theatres plea

Some of the biggest names in theatre are to give evidence to MPs on the future of leading West End venues.

Dame Helen Mirren, Alan Bennett and Kevin Spacey are among those billed for performances in the House of Commons.

They will ask for £125million to help bring the listed buildings, with their shabby grandeur, back to their former glory.

Theatregoers regularly complain about the declining physical state of the capital's Victorian and Edwardian theatres.

Gripes include being hunched in under-sized seats with little leg room, being jostled as they crowd into small public areas and interminable queues for lavatories.

Ministers are considering a request from theatre owners to fund up to half of the £250 million needed. The remainder would come from the industry itself.