A Time Lord, pantomime star, TV impressionist and smattering of acting legends joined a star-studded cast of performers to toast the Oxford Playhouse’s 80th birthday.

Stars of stage and screen joined amateur artists and young performers for the Anniversary Gala at the Beaumont Street venue.

Celebrities included former Doctor Who David Tennant, impersonator Rory Bremner, comedian Katy Brand, entertainer Christopher Biggins, theatrical father and son Freddie and Toby Jones and actress Jane Asher.

The evening reunited personalities involved with the theatre over the years with Playhouse staff and long-time supporters.

There was a packed house for Sunday night’s black tie event, which featured comedy, theatre, music, dance, readings and chat.

Tennant performed an extract from Richard II, while Asher recited Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll and revealed she first performed at the theatre as Alice as a 12-year-old.

Other well-known faces included Matthew Kelly, who performed a reading from Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell; Witney actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who read from Philip Pullman’s Lyra’s Oxford; Patricia Hodge, who recited a poem by Rudyard Kipling; and actor and writer David Wood, who shared memories of working with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor when he was a student in Oxford.

BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz joined the fun, as did magician Simon Evans, local vintage jazz band The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band and performers from the Playhouse Youth Company, Oxford University Drama Society, Oxford Operatic Society and Oxford Theatre Guild. A highlight for many was a high-energy performance from the stage musical Footloose by dancers from The Cherwell School, in Summertown.

Laughs came from Biggins, who shared memories of the Playhouse, former Oxford University student Brand, and Bremner – who compered the evening and threw in hilarious impressions of everyone from Donald Trump to the cast of Strictly Come Dancing.

The programme was pulled together by Oxford film producer Victor Glynn, the show’s creative director.

Among the guests was Gwladys Smith, a member of the audience at the opening night of the Playhouse 80 years ago, and who presented a theatre programme from the show for auction – with money going to support the Playhouse.

Playhouse director Louise Chantal said: “Sunday night was a glorious celebration of both our lovely theatre and the incredible talents we have here in Oxford.

“Young and old joined together to make an evening all there will remember for many years to come.

“Thanks to everyone who made the night possible – especially Rory Bremner, who was the consummate professional – a class act indeed!”