Award-winning actor Alun Armstrong, who played detective Brian Lane in television crime series New Tricks, will be guest of honour at the Kirkgate centre, in Cockermouth, today.

He will attend a Friends of the Kirkgate reception to celebrate the launch of Kirkgate Arts’ new live-streaming programme, which will feature the best of national and international theatre, opera, music and exhibitions.

The programme kicks off with a live performance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, transmitted via satellite from the Old Vic Theatre, London.

The Tom Stoppard play stars Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire in a comic sideways look at Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Mr Armstrong has appeared in the original London production of Les Misérables, and took the title role in Sweeney Todd at the National Theatre for which he won an Olivier Award.

His cinema work includes Get Carter, with Michael Caine, and he guest starred in Downton Abbey’s 2014 Christmas special.

Marion Bowman, chairman of the Kirkgate trustees, said: “Alun is one of the UK’s best loved actors.

“He is a great supporter of regional theatre and ensuring everyone can enjoy high quality music and drama.

“We are delighted he’s agreed to join our Friends in celebrating the launch of live-streaming at the Kirkgate.”