Alan Cumming to
host London AIDS charity gala

Out Scottish actor Alan Cumming is lending his talent to the U.K. charity National AIDS Trust by hosting a performance of the acclaimed play Angels in America. The gala will take place on Wednesday, July 4, at the Lyric Hammerstein in London.

This performance will be the first major U.K. revival of Tony Kushner's play in 15 years.

Speaking about the gala to the Society of London Theater, Cumming said, "I am thrilled to be able to host this fantastic evening, which will not only raise vital funds for the National AIDS Trust but will also bring attention to the issues that this brilliant and thought-provoking play addresses. Unfortunately, HIV-related stigma and discrimination is still with us today, 15 years after this play was written, and I am pleased to help increase public awareness of this issue by supporting this event."

Kushner's play follows a handful of characters impacted by HIV and AIDS in 1980s New York, exploring issues surrounding identity, denial, homophobia, coming out, and stigma. Angels in America has won several awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1993. (The Advocate)