Actors toast Pinter's birthday

A cast of top actors gathered in Dublin today to toast the 75th birthday of British playwright Harold Pinter through his work.

Film and theatre stars like Michael Gambon, Jeremy Irons, Derek Jacobi, Stephen Rea and Penelope Wilton are taking part in the Gate Theatre’s celebration of the London-born writer, director and political activist.

Actors Stephen Brennan, Sinead Cusack, Janie Dee and Donna Dent will also participate in performances and readings of Pinter’s work.

Described as Britain’s greatest living playwright, Mr Pinter’s career spans almost 50 years, encompassing work for stage, screen and radio.

Gate director, Michael Colgan said: “We have a unique association with Pinter because the Gate has already presented three festivals of his work, all of which he himself participated in.”

“He’s a giant of the theatre, up there with Beckett and Friel. He continuously wins new audiences with his work.

“As a director you want to put on great plays to attract great actors and Pinter is absolutely ideal for that.

“Some of the actors taking part in the Gate’s celebration appeared in the original productions of Pinter’s plays.”

Readings of plays Family Voices and Celebration and performances of Old Times and Betrayal on the Gate’s stage are expected to attract hundreds of fans in coming days.

Pinter has written over 40 plays during his lifetime including The Dumb Waiter, The Birthday Party and The Caretaker.

He has been heavily influenced by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett and the two men were close friends.

He was appointed CBE in 1966 and became a Companion of Honour in 2002, having previously declined a knighthood.