Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen are to co-host the 2015 Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

The two pillars of the British stage – who famously starred together as Lord and Lady Macbeth in Trevor Nunn’s 1976 RSC production of the Shakespearean tragedy – are to be reunited at The Old Vic theatre for the ceremony on Sunday November 22.

Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen (Lionel Cironneau/AP)

Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the London Evening Standard newspaper said: “In an iconic London venue, two giants of the acting profession – Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen – will host a lavish celebration of the world’s best theatrical talent. With the help of our generous sponsors, I am looking forward to making this the best Evening Standard Theatre Awards yet.”

It was also announced that the prestigious event in the West End calendar has formed a new partnership with restaurant The Ivy.

The Theatre Awards shortlist will be announced in early November.