HELEN MIRREN - MIRREN PLEADS WITH GOVERNMENT FOR THEATRE FUNDING

DAME HELEN MIRREN has become the latest British star to issue a plea to the UK government over proposals to cut funding for live theatre. The 61-year-old - who is tipped to win the Best Actress Oscar for her role in THE QUEEN at the Academy Awards later this month (25FEB07) - is dismayed at news of a potential decrease in finance for the arts, because her stints in British theatre have been crucial to her success. Her concerns come after recent reports suggest the arts may be sacrificed to help fund London's 2012 Olympics. Mirren says, "The British subsidised theatre is admired and envied throughout the world." And despite her booming Hollywood career, the BAFTA-winning star has not ruled out a return to the West End. She adds, "I'm sure it won't be long before I'm back on the stage."