THE golden age of theatre is returning to Glasgow after actor David Hayman teamed up with the owner of the Clutha bar.

The pair are planning to stage their first fundraising event inspired by the notorious Empire Theatre.

It is set to attract stars including Des McLean, Patrick Rolink, Janey Godley, Still Game's Gavin Mitchell Karen Dunbar and songwriter JJ Gilmour.

The Empire, which used to be in Sauchiehall Street, was well known for its no-holds-barred performances, its hecklers.

It pulled in celebrities from all over the country, such as Bob Monkhouse, Tommy Cooper, Laurel and Hardy and even Judy Garland.

The new event, which will take place every year, will be held at the Citizens Theatre on March 20.

Actor David said Spirit Aid had teamed up with the Clutha Trust because they both wanted to help youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He said "It's the first real collaboration between Spirit Aid and the Clutha Trust.

"We're really excited about it because we both have the same long term aims.

"We want to help disadvantaged kids. Alan's always admired the work we've done, I've always admired the work he's done. We're moving into an office together so it just makes complete sense."

TV and theatre star David confessed his love for the Citizens Theatre, affectionately known as the Citz, in the Gorbals.

He said: "I spent 10 years on stage at the Citizens - it's a fantastic space to perform in.

"It's big but it's intimate. It's for 500 people.

"When you're on that stage the audience is there, they surround you, they're on top of you, they're underneath you.

"So even though you're in a massive theatre it feels like an intimate space.

"There is no performer on Earth who doesn't enjoy a performance like that. So anyone who comes and joins us is going to have a fantastic time."

The pair are urging people to dress up using a 1950s or 1960s theme.

David said: "I love the idea of dressing up in 50s or 60s costumes and recreating those times.

"If you go back to 1900, Glasgow had something like 43 theatres and 43 cinemas. There were more cinemas and more stages than any other city in the world per size of population so this is recreating these glory days with the audience participating.

"And it's going to raise money for both our organisations. We know it's going to be an annual event and it's going to get bigger each year.

"We like to entertain people."

Owner of the Clutha Alan said: "It's the theatre thing - we're going to be recreating this golden age.

"Rather than going out and asking for money it's giving them something - it's £20 for a ticket and everyone will have a great night."

The Clutha Trust was set up in the wake of the Clutha bar tragedy in November 2013 as a legacy.

As the Evening Times has reported, youngsters all over Scotland have been helped through music and entertainment projects.

Spirit Aid was founded in 2001 to help improve the lives of children in the west of Scotland as well as all over the world.

Comedian Janey said: "This will be a fantastic night. True Glasgow, no holds barred and what ever comedian wants to hear before taking to the stage: 'anything goes'.

"Let's see what you've got Glasgow".

Tickets will be available on the Citizens Theatre website - citz.co.uk - from Thursday.