WORLD-RENOWNED Hampshire film director Ken Russell is hosting a lavish 80th birthday bash tonight with a guest list reading like a who's who of British stage and screen.

Among those on the guest list are Russell Brand, Glenda Jackson, Alan Rickman, Kevin Spacey, Lee Evans, Jermaine Jackson, Lord Bragg, Robert Carlyle, Helen Mirren, Twiggy and Bryan Adams.

The party of the Southampton-born director is being held at the Proud art gallery in London, which is showing a retrospective of his photographs of London in the 50s, before moving on to a private members' club.

Ken's wife Lisi said: "We want to celebrate the enormous life force of this brilliant, gorgeous genius."

Ken added: "It's going to be the greatest show on earth."

For the full story see today's Daily Echo