Pinter battled cancer in 2002

Michael Gambon, Jeremy Irons, Derek Jacobi, Stephen Rea and Penelope Wilton are taking part in the theatre's celebration for the London-born writer.

Pinter is seen by many as Britain's finest living playwright.

"He's a giant of the theatre, up there with Beckett and Friel," said Michael Colgan, director of the Gate.

The celebrations will take place over the coming days to mark the birthday, which is on Monday.

Mr Colgan added: "He continuously wins new audiences with his work.

"As a director you want to put on great plays to attract great actors and Pinter is absolutely ideal for that.

"Some of the actors taking part in the Gate's celebration appeared in the original productions of Pinter's plays."

Readings of plays Family Voices and Celebration and performances of Old Times and Betrayal on the Gate's stage are expected to attract hundreds of fans in coming days.

Pinter has written more than 40 plays during his lifetime including The Dumb Waiter, The Birthday Party and The Caretaker.

He was appointed CBE in 1966 and became a Companion of Honour in 2002, having previously declined a knighthood.