YORK-BORN actress Dame Judi Dench is taking centre stage on Sunday night at a Concert For Peace.

Dame Judi, who was made an Honorary Freeman of her home city last year, will join stars of opera, theatre, ballet, comedy, music and literature on stage at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London's West End.

Organisers say every artist will present a song or piece that is particular to them.

Dame Judi, a former Mount School pupil who won an Oscar for her role in Elizabeth I, will repeat - for one night only - a song she first

sang nearly 30 years ago - thought to be from the hit musical Cabaret.

Arabella Weir will be bringing her outrageous "No Offence" character from the Fast Show to the stage, Sir Ian McKellen will recite a poem by Siegfried Sassoon, and Lindsay Duncan and Maggie Steed will read four letters from people living in Baghdad, explaining their feelings.

The concert will be raising money for Oxfam, Care

International, the Red Cross and Amnesty International.

A concert spokeswoman said the event was organised before the Iraq war had started. While all those taking part were opposed to the war, she wanted to stress they were supportive of the troops involved.

- For a full cast list and to book tickets online, visit

www.tanphotos.co.uk/peace, or call the box office on 0207 494 5092.

Updated: 09:52 Saturday, March 22, 2003