WILDE TIMES AT THE PALACE AS QUEEN HOSTS THEATRE STARS

A-listers from the acting world join Her Majesty to toast the National Theatre and laugh at some Oscar-worthy scenes from her favourite play

- EMILY NASH

The Queen enjoyed a scene from one of her favourite plays as Hollywood stars gathered at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the National Theatre.

She was joined by two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, We Live in Time star Andrew Garfield, Gavin and Stacey creator and star James Corden, Rory Kinnear (Tanner in the James Bond films), Downton Abbey's Jim Carter and his wife Dame Imelda Staunton, who played Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, and Lesley Manville, who portrayed Princess Margaret in the Netflix series.

As guests mingled in the Green Room, Her Majesty was approached by actress Sharon D Clarke, in character as Lady Bracknell from the company's latest production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.