Sir Ian in preparations for theatre’s return

SIR IAN McKELLAN is preparing to tread the boards once again for a new production of one of the Bard’s greatest plays.

Hamlet is to enter rehearsals at the Theatre Royal in Windsor from Monday, June 29 – the first movements in the famous venue since the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s part of a new season of plays produced by Bill Kenwright, and Sean Mathias is the artistic director.

This is a special production as it’s an age-blind show, meaning that Sir Ian will play the young prince.

And Sir Ian is committed to the historic theatre: later in the season - whenever it is allowed to start - he will have a role in Martin Sherman’s adaptation of Anton Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard.

Hamlet is the first major UK production to begin rehearsals and is a boost for the theatre industry, which is facing an uncertain future.

Monday’s rehearsals will follow strict safety measures, including social distancing, screening, hygiene, and PPE, with close adherence to the latest government guidelines. The Theatre Royal will undertake daily reviews to ensure that everything is to the letter.

Sean Mathias said: “I have always been a fan of ensemble work so when Bill Kenwright asked me to be his Artistic Director at Windsor I saw a perfect opportunity to create a company and direct two of the greatest plays ever written.

“The disappointment at being halted by COVID 19 has now been replaced with encouraging signs that we can at least start to work on these beautiful plays with an exceptional company.

“We walk a tight rope through the forest while we await news of when we may actually perform in front of a live audience, but it will be invigorating to leave the house and get into a rehearsal room and be a part of British Theatre returning to the boards.”