It’s the fabulous festive fundraiser hosted by a stage and screen superstar. And when Alan Cumming brings a one-off cabaret club night to Glasgow next month, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students, staff and graduates will take a starring role.

For one night only, Hollywood, Broadway and TV actor Alan, an RCS graduate himself, hosts Christmas is Cumming, an intimate evening of music, magic and merrymaking on Sunday, December 8, at Cottiers Theatre in Glasgow’s west end.

He’ll be joined by a dazzling line-up of special guests, including familiar RCS faces on stage and behind-the-scenes, who’ll entertain the 100-capacity crowd.

And it’s all to raise funds to support current, and future students, as they pursue their dreams.

Alan’s career has taken him from the Scottish stage to smash Broadway musicals, from Take the High Road to blockbusting movies and water-cooler TV shows and earned him a string of awards along the way. He is a Tony and Olivier-award-winning theatre actor and a multiple Golden Globe, Emmy and SAG award-nominated television actor.

“My time as a student at what is now the RCS was one of the most inspiring of my life,” he said.

“So I’m happy to both celebrate and fundraise for the next generation of RCS artists. It’s going to be a great night!”

Christmas is Cumming promises to be a cracker of a club night, curated by Stasi Schaeffer, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire’s MA in Classical and Contemporary Text (Directing) programme.

An eclectic extravaganza awaits with Alan on DJ duty, a sparkling performance from BA Musical Theatre students and live music courtesy of the house band, all RCS alumni, led by musical directorRyan MacKenzieon keyboard,David Bowdenon bass andStephen Hendersonon drums. Also performing are cellist and RCS lecturer Alison Wells and Masters student and trumpet player Rebecca Wilson.

And the evening’s entertainment doesn’t end there. Christmas is Cumming will feature the captivating vocals of celebrated singer-songwriter Eddi Reader, famed for her powerful performances.

“Performing to a Glasgow audience is always special and I’m looking forward to playing some of my favourite songs at Christmas is Cumming,” said Eddi.

“Not only will it be great fun with Alan Cumming at the helm, it’s all to support the students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as they make their way as artists.”

Scottish cabaret chanteuse Christine Bovill will also take to the stage. Over the last decade, Glasgow-born Christine has established herself as a much sought-after live performer with a highly successful and sold-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe run withChristine Bovill’s Piaf.

Sharing the spotlight is lighting designer and graduate Grant Anderson whose creative artistry will set the perfect mood. Grant works in theatres all over the country and for the events industry, with credits including Glasglow, Botanic Lights in Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay torchlight procession and street party.

Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “What better way to kick off the festive celebrations than with an intimate evening in the company of the inimitable Alan Cumming, a global star of stage and screen.

“Alan is a wonderful ambassador for RCS and we’re proud to call him one of our own. We’re thrilled that he’s hosting this special fundraising event. We strongly believe that talented students should not be denied access to performing arts education through financial or any other barriers. The arts are more important than ever, and we want RCS students to flourish through their learning experience here.”