AN OSCAR-winning actress will be appearing on stage in Southampton next month for a one-off show raising awareness of a charity supporting homeless refugees.

West end and Broadway star Vanessa Redgrave will be performing poems and songs at the Nuffield Theatre in a bid to raise cash and awareness for the Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group.

It will be the third time in a year which the star of stage and screen has helped out the Southampton and Winchester Visitors’ Group (SWVG).

Vanessa, who has starred in more than 80 films and also became a BAFTA Fellowship for her lifetime of work, will be joined on stage by actress daughter-in-law, Jennifer Wiltsie, and guitarist Mike Outram, a professor at Trinity College of Music.

The material will be based around the themes of freedom and human rights.

Anne Leeming, SWVG chairman said: “It’s amazing to have Vanessa appear for a third time. She’s a huge supporter of us. It’s a big ask for her to come down to Southampton and do that at her age and status.

“We’re flattered and exceedingly grateful. It’s a great honour to have somebody of that stature.

“She takes a great interest in meeting the asylum seekers.”

Vanessa has previously appeared at St John’s Rooms, The Broadway in Winchester.

The star was first invited to perform by Shirley Firth, mother of fellow Oscar-winner Colin Firth and a founder member of SWVG, who lives in Winchester.

Tickets for the event, on Sunday December 7 are on sale now from www.nuffieldtheatre.org.uk or call 023 8067 1771.