Ewan McGregor takes centre stage to save play

Ewan McGregor has come to the rescue of a young theatre company after its new production threatened to fail because of a lack of funds.

Set up by a group of actors frustrated by the scarcity of interesting roles, The Factory won rave reviews for its inaugural production of Hamlet in 2008.

However, despite the critical acclaim and support from the likes of Sir Elton John and Bill Nighy, the company's new play Boiling Frogs by Steven Bloomer faced closing before it even opened. Producer Liam Evans-Ford said a planned three-week run at the Southwark Playhouse was left hanging in the balance after the company failed to get a £10,000 grant from the Arts Council.

It was then that McGregor stepped in. The actor has agreed to take part in a fund-raising evening next Wednesday where he will talk about his life and career.

Tracey Emin has donated a print to be auctioned at the £50-a-ticket event, with all proceeds going towards the play about civil liberties protesters, which opens on September 14. McGregor said: "I am incredibly impressed with the skill and commitment of the other actors and everyone involved. Really an inspiration for all."

For ticket information: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk